Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Iran have accused FIFA of unfair treatment after being ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately following their 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their FIFA World Cup opener, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as the tournament’s “most oppressed” team.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, midfielder Mohammad Mohebi and Ghalenoei voiced their frustration over what they said were repeated logistical challenges that have disrupted the team’s preparations. According to the coach, the squad was instructed to return to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, shortly after Monday night’s match instead of remaining in Los Angeles for recovery.
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“After the game today they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately,'” Ghalenoei said. “Whereas today it’s very important for us to have recovery.”
The coach questioned the decision and suggested Iran had faced obstacles throughout the tournament build-up. He said the team had originally planned to arrive in Los Angeles two days before the match and stay overnight after the game before returning to Mexico the following day.
“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup,” Ghalenoei said. “Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”
Iran’s preparations have been complicated by visa and travel issues. The team was forced to abandon plans for a training base in Tucson, Arizona, and instead set up camp in Tijuana due to concerns over US immigration procedures. Those concerns proved justified when several members of Iran’s support staff were reportedly denied visas to enter the United States.
As a result, Iran arrived in Los Angeles without key support personnel, including media officers, analysts and federation president Mehdi Taj.
Taremi said the constant travel and uncertainty were affecting the team’s ability to prepare properly for matches. He revealed that a journey from Tijuana to Los Angeles, which would normally take a few hours, lasted around five hours due to delays that were understood to be linked to immigration procedures.
“Everything is like disaster, actually, for us,” Taremi said, adding that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the match and was informed of the team’s concerns.
The striker argued that teams competing at a World Cup should be given the best possible conditions to recover and prepare.
“In the World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game,” he said. “But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA have to help us more than this.”
Mohebi echoed those concerns, warning that the travel schedule could increase fatigue and injury risks among players.
Despite their criticism of FIFA and tournament logistics, Iranian officials praised the reception they have received in neighbouring Mexico. Ghalenoei thanked the Mexican government and people of Tijuana for making the team feel welcome during its stay across the border.
Iran twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand and now face further travel ahead of their next Group G fixture as they continue their World Cup campaign amid growing frustration over off-field challenges.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
