The Iranian delegation faced significant unforeseen circumstances in leaving the United States in the early hours of Tuesday. After the 2-2 draw against New Zealand in the first match of the World Cup, captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant Saeid Alhouei were blocked from leaving Los Angeles airport due to complications with documentation.
According to information released by the Iranian agencies Isna and Fars, the pair experienced long delays in the necessary procedures for the return flight to Tijuana, Mexico, the city that serves as the team’s base. While the rest of the delegation was already on board the aircraft, Taremi and Alhouei remained on the ground trying to resolve issues, which resulted in delays in boarding and a consequent delay in the Iranian team’s return to Mexico. This incident adds to a series of obstacles that Iran has faced in its participation in the World Cup, reflecting the complex diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran, which often result in travel and visa restrictions for Iranian citizens, even in contexts such as major sporting events.
The Iranian Football Federation reported that the team had already undergone similar treatment on the outward journey. The Iranians report that boarding procedures for delegation members were “unjustifiably delayed” on both occasions.
In addition to retention issues, another complex challenge that the Iranian team needs to overcome involves striker Mehdi Torabi. The athlete has a visa that allows only one entry into the United States.
The technical team and the federation are working to obtain a multiple-entry visa for Torabi, essential for him to participate in the next World Cup matches in North American territory.
Compelled to leave North American territory immediately after Monday’s clash against New Zealand, Iran’s players expressed their dissatisfaction with the conditions imposed. The team has been dealing with several restrictions in this edition of the World Cup, a direct reflection of the ongoing tensions between the two countries involved in a context of hostilities.
Taremi, considered the team’s main star, described the demands placed on the delegation as a “disaster” and requested FIFA intervention to alleviate the situation.
“The correct thing would be for us to stay here overnight to recover tomorrow. Now, we are forced to leave the country”, said the player.
“This situation is not beneficial for us, nor for football. In a World Cup, preparation must be adequate, there is a lot of stress. We do not have the necessary support. FIFA needs to help us more. Let’s wait for what will happen in the future”, added Taremi.
Amir Ghalenoei, coach of the Iranian national team, also expressed his vehement protest regarding the scenario experienced by the team.
“We don’t know why we were sent back (to Mexico), and it all seems very strange to me. I have the impression that other people are deciding our planning, that deliberations about our team are being taken elsewhere”, pondered Ghalenoei.
“We should have arrived in Los Angeles two nights before the game, but it was not allowed. We were also supposed to spend the night here to recover and return (on Tuesday) at lunch time, however, again, they did not allow us to do so. Honestly, I have no idea why. Nobody offered us explanations. I believe that, perhaps, our team will be the most damaged of the entire World Cup”, concluded the coach.
Currently, Iran’s squad remains concentrated in Tijuana, Mexico. The arrival in the United States took place on the eve of the match, exactly on the deadline established for the pre-match activities at the Los Angeles stadium, which included the press conference with the coach and players, in addition to the last training session before the match.
