Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj said Thursday he is unaware of any plan to bring striker Sardar Azmoun into the World Cup squad, despite a recent appeal from a vice president of the Islamic Republic.
Azmoun, 31, has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals. He was left out of coach Amir Ghalenoei's preliminary squad amid reports of a falling-out with hardline government supporters.
Vice President Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh appealed on social media to recall Azmoun, calling it a message for national unity. Taj told Iranian TV he had no information on a call-up, adding the matter would be followed through proper discussions.
Azmoun upset hardliners after meeting with Dubai's ruler during a period of heightened tensions with the UAE.
Meanwhile, visa issues complicate Iran's World Cup preparations. The team-currently training in Turkey-will set up base in Tijuana, Mexico, after the U.S. refused entry amid IRGC-linked sanctions. Taj, a former IRGC official, said FIFA must guarantee U.S. visas for the squad.
Iran opens against New Zealand on June 15.