The Iranian national football team, frustrated by what they describe as severe travel restrictions during the World Cup in North America, plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA. Their frustration stems from a denied request to fly from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles two days before their upcoming match against Belgium. An Iranian federation spokesperson noted that despite submitting their schedule well in advance, the team’s travel plans have been consistently hampered by the organizers. The federation insists their early travel request was necessary to help players acclimate, conduct their final training sessions, and prepare thoroughly, yet it was denied. Consequently, the Iranian Football Federation intends to voice their grievances to FIFA through official channels.
Iran players protest post-match treatment
The Iranian team criticized what they termed ‘oppressive’ treatment following the swift expulsion from the USA after their opening game against New Zealand. Striker Mehdi Taremi, reacting to the 2-2 draw in Los Angeles, implored FIFA to intervene in what he described as an ‘unfair’ situation. Initially, there was an agreement for the team to fly in and out of the USA on the days of their games, as all their group stage matches are hosted there. However, geopolitical tensions since the outbreak of war in February have clouded Iran’s tournament participation.
Iran team faces travel turmoil
Amidst these pressures, former U.S. President Donald Trump advised the Iranian team against entering the country for their safety, prompting a move of their base camp from Arizona to Mexico. Issues further escalated as nearly a dozen team members were denied visas. Following their match against New Zealand, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared in the team’s dressing room. However, just moments later, head coach Amir Ghalenoei and striker Taremi contended they were being forcibly returned to Tijuana. Taremi lamented, describing the situation as disastrous, especially as they were expected to leave before they could hold a crucial recovery session the next morning.
Iran players seek FIFA support
Taremi expressed dissatisfaction with the rushed departure from Los Angeles, stressing that such disruptions undermine thorough preparation, essential for coping with World Cup stress. He believes FIFA should extend greater support, questioning Infantino about their expulsion during the brief meeting. Taremi conveyed that Infantino expressed a desire to assist, hinting at future support, affirming the team’s belief in his promises as the tournament unfolds.
Coach questions sudden travel orders
Echoing the sentiment of fairness, teammate Mohammad Mohebi expressed discontent over their treatment. Head coach Ghalenoei shared his players’ bewilderment, stating that the mandate to return to Tijuana immediately is troubling as it disrupts necessary recovery time. He criticized external decision-making regarding their schedule, pointing out that their original plan to arrive two nights prior to the forthcoming match was unjustly thwarted, leaving the entire team in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
Iran team questions strict entry rules
‘We were supposed to stay tonight and return tomorrow lunchtime but I have no idea why and they haven’t told [us]… our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.’ The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the United States on the day before the game. ‘The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,’ Giuliani told CBS News. ‘They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match.
Doubts linger over Iran peace deal
And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.’ He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran’s final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tension comes as Trump announced last weekend that a deal to end the war with Iran is ‘all signed’. The official signing ceremony is set to be held in Switzerland on Friday. But there are doubts over whether his memorandum of understanding with Iran can lead to the end of the three and a half month long war. The timing is fluid and there’s been scant confirmation about the details of the signing ceremony.
