Iran striker Mehdi Taremi says he and his team-mates can feel the “tension” created by visa issues as they touched down in the United States for the first time at this World Cup.
Taremi, who played for Iran in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, said the atmosphere was different to the “joy” he has experienced at previous tournaments and that such issues “undermine” FIFA’s claims over football creating peace.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said that Iran having to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico on the eve of the World Cup, as well as 11 members of their party still being denied visas to enter the U.S., had affected them. “These conditions have impacted our technical focus,” Ghalenoei added.
Taremi referenced Omar Artan, the Somali referee barred from entering the U.S., when he said: “It’s not just Iran, it’s referees being affected. Of course I have felt tension, we don’t have the same beautiful experience as previously, of peace and joy, for every country. Of course, we don’t have same experience.
“Several teams had visa issues. Of course there is tension before the tournament has started. It undermines that joy, and the message of FIFA, to our people, of football bringing about peace. I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere. I hope in future will be better.”
Iran are still hopeful their full complement can be granted access to the U.S., even though a previous statement from the State Department accused the team of trying to “sneak terrorists into U.S.”
An Iran Football Federation official said: “The issue is still being pursued with FIFA ahead of the second match, and FIFA has committed to resolving it, as the presence of these individuals alongside the national team is important given their roles.
“The team manager, media manager, and executive director are currently unable to be with Iran’s national team, which is by no means a professional situation.”
There is a split of opinion within Iran’s football community as well though, with some fans planning protests against the current regime, which President Trump has tried to overthrow with his attack on the country. Trump declared a ceasefire shortly after Iran’s team flight landed in Los Angeles.
Iran open their tournament against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on Monday evening, a game which FIFA president Gianna Infantino is expected to attend.
A section of supporters want to bring in the pre-revolutionary flag of Iran, which FIFA are trying to block, as a political statement, with support from leaders of the national team. A legal challenge is going through the Californian courts in a bid to let fans display the flag in the stands.
“We are not political, but we respect every single Iranian,” Ghalenoei said. He added his team would not pay attention to anything like that in the stadium, instead wishing to play a “high quality match”.
Ghalenoei was asked about the absence of forward Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran’s best players formerly or Bayer Leverkusen and Roma. Azmoun’s non-selection is regarded by some as a response to a social media post he made seen as being against the government.
Ghalenoei said: “Sardar is an excellent player, he has done a lot for us, he is not with us, we wish he was, but this is football. I will give you an example. Neymar, it’s possible he won’t play in some games.”
Ghalenoei thanked journalists for asking questions highlighting Iran’s difficulties, but Taremi seemed fatigued at the theme of inquiries, bemoaning the “politics”.
Ghalenoei said: “I’m glad we are all here from my country. I hope that football will bring about joy and enjoyment and it will bring closer the cultures and countries. I hope the World Cup, once again I hope, it will go well despite the travel problems we have had. I hope it will not affect the quality of play. I am very happy to be here on behalf of the powerful Iranian people.”
