Iran wrestling team calls off US match after visas denied

Among those denied a visa was Iran’s Wrestling Federation chief, whose “death to America” remarks had stirred controversy.
Iran's Mohammadreza Abdolhamid Geraei (R) fights against Russia's Nazir Rachidovitch Abdullaev in the 67 kg class final match of the Greco-Roman competition during the 2021 World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway, on Oct. 10, 2021.
Iran's Mohammadreza Abdolhamid Geraei (R) fights against Russia's Nazir Rachidovitch Abdullaev in the 67 kg class final match of the Greco-Roman competition during the 2021 World Wrestling Championships in Oslo, Norway, on Oct. 10, 2021. - TERJE PEDERSEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

The president of Iran’s Wrestling Federation, Alireza Dabir, says he was left with “no choice but to cancel” an Iran-US meet after several visa applications submitted by the Iranian delegation were rejected by American authorities.

In a letter to his American counterpart, Dabir lamented the fact that he and five others had been denied their visas and were, therefore, unable to make it to the event in Arlington, Texas, scheduled for Feb. 12.

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