Iranians Face World Cup Checks

Bertrand Benoit, The Financial Times:

Iranians seeking visas for Germany ahead of this summer's football World Cup could face heightened background checks and some might be barred from entering the country, German politicians warned yesterday. The warning comes as Berlin is toughening its stance on the Islamic republic. The German government is accusing it of using the Danish cartoon controversy to foment some of the unrest that has spread throughout the Islamic world.

The threat provoked dismay in Iran. Football is a national passion, with top matches attracting 100,000 fans and there is avid anticipation of the World Cup.

Iranian football fans have been expressing doubt they would get visas since last June when victory over Bahrain secured Iran's qualification for the World Cup.