TV pundit Gary Lineker has taken aim at the United States for its abhorrent treatment of one World Cup contender. His criticism comes in response to Iran being booted out of the country following their opening World Cup match against New Zealand. Amir Ghalenoei's side drew 2-2 with the All Whites before being ordered to evacuate the States and return to their training base in Mexico.
Lineker's Reaction to Iran's Treatment
Many are aware of the current tensions between the two countries, which are at war after the US-backed Israeli airstrikes, starting in February. Iran qualified to compete at the World Cup like any other nation, but Lineker believes the treatment they've been subjected to this summer reflects poorly on the co-hosts.
"I think they've been treated very unfairly," said Lineker during an interview with Sky News. "I've covered a lot of World Cups, every one, either playing or broadcasting, since 1986, and I can't remember going into a tournament where the host nation's at war with one of the competing nations. So that was a first."
Peace Deal and Grace
Lineker, who has appeared on ITV's coverage of the World Cup, then referenced the recent peace talks between the United States and Iran, which have resulted in a tentative 'peace deal' moving towards de-escalation. And the BBC icon suggested that might have been a solid basis to allow Iran slightly more grace concerning their World Cup commitments.
"Hopefully the peace deal holds," he continued. "And perhaps because of the peace deal, it might be a nice gesture if they allow Iran to stay in the country where their football matches are. So I do think they've been unfairly treated. But they've shown great spirit on the pitch. And that's important for them."
Iran's Coach and Federation Respond
Speaking after the draw with New Zealand, Iran coach Ghalenoei said his side were "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup." And after having their training base moved from Arizona to Mexico on the eve of the tournament, it's hard to disagree. The Group G competitors don't even have a single game scheduled to take place in Mexico. And the Iranian football federation signalled its plans to launch an official complaint with FIFA at how they've been treated.
"We are the only team that are participating in the World Cup that we are at the host cities just 24 hours and it is not fair," said Iranian football secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini. "All these limitations on us, it has negative effects on our physical and mental [preparations for the players]."
Upcoming Matches and Stakes
Iran are due to face Egypt in Seattle on Friday evening. A win would guarantee a first-place finish in Group G, though even a draw could be sufficient to advance as long as they match or better Belgium's result against New Zealand.
