Iran Coach Criticizes Fifa and US Over World Cup Treatment

The World Cup Logistical Nightmare

Iran's national football team, along with their coach Amir Ghalenoei, have expressed frustration and disappointment with the treatment they received from Fifa and the US government during their World Cup campaign. The issues began with the team's training base being moved from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to immigration concerns.

The Visa Conundrum

The team faced significant visa issues, with 15 of their support staff initially denied visas to enter the US. Although some visas were later approved, reducing the number to 11, the team still arrived in Los Angeles without their media officers, analysts, and federation president, Mehdi Taj.

The Rush to Leave

After a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, Fifa informed the team that they needed to leave Los Angeles immediately. This decision was met with criticism from the team, as it disrupted their recovery plans. The team was supposed to stay in Los Angeles for recovery but was instead forced to return to their camp in Tijuana.

The Human Impact

• Iran captain Mehdi Taremi stated that the team's situation was like a 'disaster'.
• Taremi and midfielder Mohammad Mohebi expressed concerns that being forced to leave immediately would negatively affect the players' performance.
• The team's journey from Tijuana to Los Angeles took five hours, causing additional stress.

The Future Outlook

Taremi emphasized the need for better support from Fifa, stating, 'I think it's not good for the football. In [the] World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game, which is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone.'

A Silver Lining

Despite the challenges, Ghalenoei praised the warmth and support of the Mexican people and government, saying they 'made us feel at home.'