The distinction between the footballers and the broader entourage is central to the controversy.
“The players themselves had cleared the vetting process,” Mullin said, presenting the squad as separate from officials allegedly linked to security concerns. The report did not provide evidence for those alleged links, and the status of every affected delegation member remains unclear.
For Iran, that separation could be crucial. World Cup participation depends on more than players reaching the venue: coaches, medical staff, administrators and federation officials all play important roles in preparing a team and managing tournament operations.
Mullin also accused Iran of playing “games” with , framing the delegation dispute as part of a wider confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
That rhetoric raises the pressure on football’s governing body. has traditionally sought to keep international tournaments separate from political conflicts, but a host country’s immigration and security decisions can quickly make that separation impossible.
The issue is particularly sensitive because the tournament will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Any unresolved travel restrictions could affect Iran’s preparations, official representation and relations with tournament organisers.
The next storyline will be whether the US clarifies which members of Iran’s delegation are barred, and whether or Iranian officials respond before the team’s World Cup arrangements become final.