Iran Coach Speaks on Challenges at World Cup Amid U.S. Restrictions

Iran’s football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, expressed concerns over the challenges his team faces at the World Cup due to travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. He hopes FIFA can convince the U.S. to ease these restrictions.

“I am thankful to the Iranian nation for their support,” he stated via an interpreter. “We play for our martyrs. This behavior has hurt us, showing our country is oppressed. I hope for peace and that such actions don’t become a norm in the World Cup.”

We needed to have 24 hours in Los Angeles, but they gave us less than 16 hours, which forced us to cut our training short,” Ghalenoei explained. “These constraints are making things difficult for us.

Iran arrived in Los Angeles ahead of their match against Belgium but had to limit their training due to travel restrictions. Their journey from Tijuana was shortened by mandatory travel rules set by the U.S. following a conflict that began on February 28. The Iranian team is required to travel to matches the day before and return immediately afterward, unlike other teams.

Ghalenoei called for other World Cup teams and coaches to speak against these policies. “I asked other coaches a question, and none responded,” he remarked. “We are here for football, not politics. If another team faced what we face, I would speak up.”

Despite difficulties, FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino is trying to help Iran travel earlier to their match in Seattle against Egypt. “For the third game, in Seattle, they offered us the freedom to come earlier,” Ghalenoei mentioned. “But why wasn’t this available for the first two games?”

FIFA attempted to negotiate with the U.S. government to allow Iran earlier access, but these efforts fell through. “They couldn’t make it happen,” Ghalenoei noted, adding that it affects both the team’s plans and their morale.

Iran played a 2-2 draw against New Zealand after a challenging five-hour journey that included customs delays. Ghalenoei was upset they had to leave the country immediately afterward but acknowledged improvements in custom procedures this time around.

However, Ghalenoei criticized the denial of visas for essential support staff, including the head of Iran’s football federation and media personnel. “Such behavior isn’t fitting for a World Cup,” he declared.

Ghalenoei confirmed that Iran’s soccer federation hasn’t filed a formal complaint with FIFA but continues to voice their concerns publicly. Meanwhile, Belgium’s player, Thomas Meunier, empathized with Iran’s situation, recalling a similar experience with Ukraine after Russia invaded. “We feel for Iranian players who might have family impacted by the war,” Meunier said.

For more World Cup coverage, visit the AP World Cup page.