Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi has been accused of performing a 'gun celebration' during the World Cup match against New Zealand, prompting calls for FIFA to review the incident.
Controversial Gesture
Mohebi scored in the 64th minute to secure a draw for his side in their opening fixture in the United States. The 27-year-old Rostov player sparked controversy with his celebration, first placing two fingers against his arm before extending two fingers on his right hand and waving them in the air. The gesture has drawn attention given the sensitivity surrounding Iran's participation in the tournament on US soil.
Backlash and Calls for Action
The incident has triggered a fierce backlash on social media, with many accusing Mohebi of deliberate provocation. Numerous fans are now calling on FIFA to examine the gesture more closely. It remains unclear whether the action was intended to mimic a firearm. FIFA and the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation have been contacted for comment.
Mohebi's Explanation
Mohebi has suggested his celebration was innocent. "I wanted to say thank you to all Iranians who live in Los Angeles, they make a great atmosphere," he said. "The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know."
Political Undertones
Fellow goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian openly acknowledged that his own celebration carried a political message after scoring Iran's first equaliser. Rezaeian pulled his shirt over his face as he sprinted towards supporters but declined to elaborate after the match. "It's something political (his goal celebration)," he said. "I don't want to talk about that. We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us."
Fan Protests and Flag Controversy
Iran's national anthem was met with jeers from the crowd ahead of the match against New Zealand, as supporters brandished pre-revolutionary flags in a show of defiance against the country's ruling regime. Iranian fans displayed the Shir o Khorshid, likely drawn from the nation's diaspora community in Los Angeles, home to the largest concentration of Iranians outside their homeland since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Estimates of Iranian heritage residents range from 200,000 to 700,000. FIFA moved to ban the flag, and footage emerged of one being seized from a supporter during the match.
Visa Issues and Relocation
Iran were compelled to relocate their World Cup base from the United States to Mexico amid escalating tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel. The squad encountered significant visa difficulties when attempting to travel to American soil. A total of 11 members of the travelling party, described as "integral" backroom staff, were refused entry into the US. Washington officials confirmed that Iran's players themselves had been granted permission to enter the country for the tournament. Several key delegation figures, including Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and a federation vice president, were denied visas, along with two administrators, a media officer, and a security officer.
