Group G - Belgium | Egypt | Iran | New Zealand · Yellow Fever Nga Wana Kowhai

Latest update on the Iran situation from London's Telegraph newspaper (reprinted on the Stuff website):
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360977029/iran-sends-fifa-10-point-ultimatum-amid-threat-withdraw-world-cup

Iran sends FIFA 10-point ultimatum amid threat to withdraw from World Cup

Iran has issued a 10-point ultimatum for FIFA to guarantee its football team’s involvement at next month’s World Cup in the United States.

The Middle East nation signalled in its most direct terms since the war with the US and Israel started that it will compete. However, it is seeking a series of guarantees to ensure no “retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions”.

In a sign of ongoing tensions surrounding the team’s participation, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has said the US “must take our concerns into account”.
This could be the sticking point: "Visas without complications for all players and staff, including those who performed military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps"
Concern around visas being blocked over links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be a significant hurdle. The group is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US, and [Iranian FA president] Taj’s links to it were cited as a reason he was denied entry into Canada for the recent FIFA Congress.

The entire list has not been confirmed but the Iranian journalist Alireza Akbari reports that they include:

Visas without complications for all players and staff, including those who performed military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Once visas are issued, players and staff should not be subjected to questioning by US immigration authorities.
Visas for Iranian journalists and fans attending matches must be resolved in advance.
US authorities must maintain the highest security protocols at airports, hotels, transit routes and stadiums.
Fans may only bring their official team flags to stadiums; no other flags will be allowed.
The playing of Iran’s national anthem during all matches must be “ensured and free from disruption”.
Questions from journalists during press conferences should be strictly limited to match-related topics.
It was reported elsewhere that remaining demands include requests for no political criticism directed at the team, no insults towards Iranian military personnel and official recognition of Islamic Republic symbols throughout the tournament.

Big Pete 65, Christchurch