Iran Coach Criticises World Cup Travel Arrangements
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has labelled his side the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup after being instructed to depart Los Immediately after their 2‑2 draw with New Zealand. The squad had planned to stay overnight for a recovery session before travelling back to their base in Tijuana the following day.
Speaking after the Group G match, Ghalenoei said the team was told, “You have to leave immediately,” and that they were being forced onto a plane despite the disruption to their preparation.
“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that,” he added. “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.”
Logistical Challenges Continue
The Iranian campaign has been overshadowed by visa issues affecting several backroom staff members and ongoing security concerns linked to the Middle East conflict. Ghalenoei questioned the latest decision, noting that the team 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 said. “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.”
He concluded, “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.”
Captain Echoes Coach’s Concerns
Captain Mehdi Taremi backed his coach’s criticism, describing the circumstances as a “disaster.” He stressed that proper preparation is essential in a World Cup, adding that the lack of support from FIFA is detrimental to both players and staff.
“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,” Taremi said. “But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA has to help us more than this.”
Upcoming Fixtures
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.
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