News Focus
- Iran forced to base their camp in Mexico due to visa restrictions in the United States
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei claims officials denied the team proper recovery time after the match
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room and pledged to help with visa problems
- Captain Mehdi Taremi described the logistical situation as a ‘disaster’ for the squad
- Political protests took place outside the stadium amid tensions between Iran and the US
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has strongly criticised the treatment of his national team at the FIFA World Cup, claiming they face the toughest conditions of any side at the tournament.
The Iranian squad were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their opening Group G match on Tuesday. However, the result was hidden by serious complaints about their travel problems and preparation.
Ghalenoei expressed anger that his team must operate from Tijuana in Mexico rather than inside the United States. He revealed that officials ordered the squad to leave Los Angeles immediately after the match ended, denying them proper rest.
“We have spent too many hours flying,” the manager stated. “They did not allow us time to recover after the game. We were told we must go back to Tijuana straight away. This causes us real problems.”
The coach also explained that important members of their official party could not get visas for the competition. He noted that the federation president, media representatives, and several backroom staff were absent from SoFi Stadium.
“Our team is the most oppressed at this World Cup,” Ghalenoei declared. “Decisions are made for us by other people. We wanted to arrive two nights before the match but were refused. We planned to stay until tomorrow lunchtime, yet nobody explained why we cannot.”
Team captain Mehdi Taremi backed his manager’s concerns, labelling the situation a “disaster”. He confirmed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room following the match.
Infantino reportedly told the players they were “stronger than everything” and promised to assist with visa issues for upcoming fixtures. The Swiss official pledged to help more Iranian delegates travel to America for the remaining group games.
The fixture took place amid political tension. Protestors gathered outside the stadium to demonstrate against the Tehran government. Some fans inside the ground jeered during the Iranian national anthem, though others cheered loudly when the players appeared on screen.
The Iranian community in Los Angeles largely consists of families who left the country following the 1979 revolution. Anti-regime feeling remains strong among this group.
FIFA had previously banned flags bearing the pre-revolution Lion and Sun symbol, yet several were visible around the stadium before kick-off.