Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei has stated his team has been treated “unfairly” by the United States during the World Cup and has urged FIFA to intervene in similar situations in future tournaments. The team’s World Cup training base was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, before the competition began, and they faced travel restrictions throughout their participation.
For their initial two matches in Los Angeles, the Iran squad was only permitted to enter the United States the day before each match and had to depart on the same day, under the terms of their visas. These restrictions were eased for their game in Seattle, allowing them to arrive two days early, but they were still required to return to Tijuana immediately after the match.
Ghalenoei expressed pride in his players, highlighting their performance despite the challenges. He commented that the host country’s treatment of his team was “very unfair” and suggested that their efforts should be recorded in history. He appealed to FIFA not to allow host nations to treat teams and players in this manner in future World Cups.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously remarked on the organisation’s role in ensuring Iran‘s participation in the World Cup. He noted that many believed it would be impossible for Iran to compete, but he had promised their presence. Infantino also visited the Iran dressing room following their opening draw against New Zealand.
Logistical Challenges and Player Frustration
Iran‘s captain, Mehdi Taremi, described the tournament as a “logistical disaster.” He questioned the constant travel to Tijuana, acknowledging appreciation for the people of Mexico and Tijuana, but stressing that such arrangements are not appropriate for professional players in a major competition.
Taremi also criticised FIFA‘s handling of the situation, mentioning that 11 senior officials were denied entry to the United States. He recounted Infantino‘s visit after their first game, where the president said, “It’s just the beginning,” yet the logistical issues persisted throughout the group stage, with key personnel unable to obtain visas.
Ghalenoei further elaborated on the impact of the travel restrictions, stating that if the host country had allowed them to arrive two weeks earlier, they would have been better prepared. He noted that the demands for earlier arrival were “reasonable, rational” and would have allowed for better physical and mental recovery. He added that the frequent flights after matches delayed recovery, calling it the “third time they are doing this to us.”
The coach suggested that the behaviour towards his team had been “really terrible” and hoped the world would become aware of it. He attributed their strong performance despite these obstacles as a significant achievement.
Match Outcomes and Qualification Hopes
Iran drew their final Group G match 1-1 with Egypt. During this match, Shoja Khalilzadeh scored a goal in stoppage time that was subsequently disallowed for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. This left Iran‘s hopes of progressing to the last 32 dependent on other results.
Ghalenoei commented on the disallowed goal, stating, “I used to think that we were really a totally oppressed team, but after these three games, I have noticed that we also have bad luck as well.” Iran finished third in Group G. They are currently sixth in the standings of third-placed sides, with three groups yet to conclude, and the top eight progressing to the next stage.
Taremi, who missed a penalty in the first half against Egypt, was asked if he felt Iran was wanted in the competition. He responded, “We have to fight against everything here.” Following the draw with Egypt, Iran needed other results to go their way to qualify for the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams.
If Algeria and Austria draw in Group J, DR Congo beat Uzbekistan, and Croatia secure at least a point against Ghana, Iran would be eliminated. Reports indicate a 92 per cent chance of Iran reaching the round of 32.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
