FIFA Sets May 20 Zurich Meeting with Iran — Taj Hints at Withdrawal as Deadline Clock Runs

FIFA formally invited Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj to Zurich on May 20 for direct talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino — the last formal diplomatic channel before the June 1 final squad deadline. Taj escalated on May 7, suggesting a 'different decision' on Iran's World Cup participation could follow if FIFA cannot guarantee Iranian players and staff will not face politically motivated questioning over IRGC links. The May 20 meeting falls 22 days before the June 11 tournament opener. Iran's preliminary squad list is due May 11 (4 days). Iran Group G matches remain at US venues: SoFi Stadium (June 15 vs New Zealand, June 21 vs Belgium), Lumen Field (June 26 vs Egypt).