‘Asked to leave US immediately’: Iran accuses FIFA of unfair treatment

Los Angeles: Iran’s national football team strongly criticised FIFA after its opening World Cup match against New Zealand, accusing the governing body of imposing travel arrangements that disrupted the squad’s preparations and recovery. The team said that they were asked to get on a plane and leave immediately, as per a report by The Guardian.

The criticism was voiced by captain Mehdi Taremi, midfielder Mohammad Mohebi and head coach Amir Ghalenoei following Iran’s 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. Team officials said players were instructed to leave the city immediately after the match and return to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, despite the physical demands of the tournament and the need for post-match recovery.

Iranian officials argued that the squad had repeatedly faced logistical difficulties since arriving for the World Cup. According to the team, they were not permitted to follow their preferred travel schedule before the match and were also prevented from remaining in Los Angeles overnight after the game. The coaching staff questioned the reasons behind the decisions and complained that key arrangements affecting the team were being made without their input.

Ghalenoei said that Iran had been treated more harshly than other participating nations and described the team as one of the most disadvantaged sides at the tournament. He also pointed to the absence of several federation officials, media representatives and support personnel, saying the squad lacked the level of backing available to many rival teams.

The Iranian delegation raised its concerns directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the match. Team members expressed frustration over what they viewed as unnecessary obstacles affecting their World Cup campaign.