Iran Coach Blasts World Cup Travel Disruption, Calls Team ‘Most Oppressed’

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has described his side as the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup after being ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand and return to their training base in Mexico.

Speaking after Monday night’s Group G encounter, Ghalenoei revealed that Iran had planned to remain in Los Angeles overnight and hold a recovery session before travelling back the following day. Instead, the team was instructed to depart straight after the match.

“After the game, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately’,” Ghalenoei said.

“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that.

“They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”

Iran’s World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by logistical challenges and uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and wider security concerns.

Naija News gathered that the Iranian World Cup squad had initially planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, throughout the tournament. However, visa complications and operational difficulties forced a late relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, in May.

Ghalenoei questioned the latest decision, suggesting his side had little control over their tournament arrangements.

“We don’t know why they’re returning us, to be honest. I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us,” he added.

“We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn’t permit [it]. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return at lunchtime tomorrow.

“I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn’t here, our media isn’t here, our management isn’t here.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian dressing room after the match as concerns surrounding the team’s situation continue.

Iran have also faced visa issues affecting several key backroom staff members, while the Iranian Football Federation recently protested the withdrawal of its ticket allocation on the eve of the tournament.

Captain Mehdi Taremi backed his coach’s criticism, describing the circumstances as a “disaster”.

“It’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare well for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and staff and everyone,” said Taremi.

“But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA has to help us more than this.”

Iran will return to Los Angeles for their next Group G fixture against Belgium on June 21 before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.