'Most oppressed team': Iran coach, players lash out at FIFA
What's the story
Iran's national football team is in the spotlight again after their head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, accused FIFA of treating them unfairly during the ongoing World Cup. According to The Guardian, the coach said the team was asked to leave Los Angeles immediately after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in the World Cup on Monday night. Captain Mehdi Taremi and midfielder Mohammad Mohebi also joined Ghalenoei in voicing their displeasure, calling their team "the most oppressed."
Player's perspective
Taremi reveals Infantino spoke to them
Taremi expressed his frustration over the situation, saying, "Everything is like disaster, actually, for us." He revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited their dressing room after the game and they raised their concerns directly with him. Ghalenoei further added that they have been treated by FIFA in a way that makes them "the most oppressed" team at this tournament.
Coach's concerns
'They are making the situation more difficult'
Ghalenoei questioned FIFA's decision to send them back early, saying he finds it very strange. He said, "They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles," but added that they won't let this stop them from doing their best. The coach also noted that their federation, media, and management aren't present with them at this tournament.
FIFA's response
Infantino praises Iranian players
After the match, Infantino visited the Iran dressing room and praised their performance. A video shared online shows him saying, "You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you're in the World Cup, that you perform and you have two more games to go." He urged them to continue playing with passion for their people and fans.
Travel troubles
Iranian team's logistical nightmare
Taremi also criticized a logistical situation that forced them to leave their planned training base in Tucson, Arizona, weeks before the tournament. The Iranian team moved its training base to Tijuana, Mexico, to avoid immigration concerns. However, upon arriving in Mexico, 15 support staff members were denied US visas. The number was later reduced to 11 after some visas were approved. Despite these challenges, the team arrived in Los Angeles without their media officers and federation president Mehdi Taj.
Travel delays
Immigration delays for the Iranian team
The Iranian team also faced delays in their travel from Tijuana to Los Angeles, a short journey that took five hours. Taremi didn't elaborate on the reasons for the delays, but reports indicate that the immigration process was largely responsible. He and Mohebi both said being forced to leave immediately afterward would negatively affect their performance at the tournament.