Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the team's dressing room after their World Cup opener, before the squad were told they had to leave the United States immediately.
Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in a dramatic Group G clash at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday, but the result was quickly overshadowed by fresh controversy surrounding the team's tournament arrangements.
Coach's Outburst
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei launched an extraordinary attack on the treatment of his players after the match, claiming Iran had been forced to leave California straight after the game and return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
The coach described Iran as "perhaps the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup" amid continuing logistical and political challenges facing the squad.
Iran's base camp was switched from Arizona to Tijuana before the tournament despite all three of their group matches being scheduled in the United States. The arrangement means the team must repeatedly fly across the border for games before returning to Mexico.
No Recovery Time
According to Ghalenoei, the players had expected a recovery period after their opening match but were instead informed they would need to depart immediately.
"We spent so much time in the air commuting, they didn't even give us time to recover," he said. "After the game today, they said to us, 'You have to leave immediately'. It's very important for us to have time for recovery, but we've been told to return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that."
Infantino's Visit
The situation appeared serious enough for FIFA president Infantino to visit the dressing room following the match. Speaking afterwards, Inter Milan striker Taremi confirmed the FIFA chief had met with the players.
"For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it's about other things, too. Everyone knows it," Taremi said. "I don't need to mention that because you know where we are. I think FIFA has to help us more than this. Let's see what happens in the future."
Taremi also claimed several members of Iran's delegation, including football federation president Mehdi Taj, had been unable to travel to the United States. "Everything is a disaster for us," he added.
Geopolitical Tensions
Iran's participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding travel arrangements for players, staff and officials. Their opening match took place in Los Angeles, home to the largest Iranian population outside Iran, adding another layer of attention to proceedings.
There were both cheers and jeers when the Iranian national anthem was played before kick-off, although Ghalenoei praised the support his side received from Iranian fans in attendance. "There were many Iranians here. They believe in different political affiliations, different beliefs, but they all wholeheartedly encouraged us, and I think that's a victory for all of us," he said.
Group G Standings
Iran fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, while Belgium and Egypt also shared the points in the group's other fixture. That leaves all four nations level on one point after the opening round of Group G matches.
Iran now return to Los Angeles to face Belgium on Sunday before concluding their group-stage campaign against Egypt and Mohamed Salah in Seattle on June 26.
