The Iranian national football team has been granted permission to spend additional time in the United States for their final World Cup group match, after being forced to train in Tijuana, Mexico, a city known for its bars, gambling dens and legalised brothels. The US Department of Homeland Security relented following complaints from the Iranian Football Federation about unfair treatment.
Restrictions and Complaints
Due to the recent war between Iran and the US, the team was required to switch its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. Players were only allowed into the US for matches, being rushed straight from the showers to an aircraft for the 127-mile journey south. Nine members of Iran's backroom staff were barred from entering the US entirely due to their service with the Islamic Republic Guard Corps, which is designated a terrorist organization by the US and Canada.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described the situation as 'hell' and said the team had been 'robbed' of preparation time, receiving 'less than half' the training window needed while other teams enjoyed normal conditions. He stated, 'We are here for football, not politics,' and that the restrictions were inconsistent with football's values.
Change in Policy
The US Department of Homeland Security issued a statement: 'For the Iranian team's third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match. The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same. We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff and fans alike.'
The change came after the Iranian Football Federation planned to lodge an official complaint with FIFA over what it described as unfair treatment. Iran could top Group G with victory over Egypt after opening draws with Belgium and New Zealand. If successful, the nation would face a third-placed team in Seattle on July 1.
Tijuana's Seedy Underbelly
A Daily Star investigation probed Tijuana's notorious Zona Norte red light district, where prostitution is legal. The area is packed with bars, clubs, brothels, sex shops and massage parlours. Around 30,000 of Tijuana's 2.4 million residents are sex workers. The city's giant Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club is running its own version of the World Cup, with pole dancers dressed in rival international team colours competing for customers. An army of cash collectors scoop up dollar bills fans stuff inside dancers' thongs, while others gyrate covered only in shaving foam. Iran's training ground features a giant advert for a casino outside.
