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Iran feels oppressed at World Cup after new troubles
🇩🇰 Denmark /Sports

Iran feels oppressed at World Cup after new troubles

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Iran's national football team claims they are the most oppressed at the World Cup due to logistical issues and perceived mistreatment by US authorities.
  • The team experienced delays and was forced to travel back to Mexico for rest instead of staying in the US after their match against New Zealand.
  • Players and staff cite visa problems, travel disruptions, and a lack of support from FIFA, impacting their preparation and morale.

Iran's national football team feels they are the most oppressed at the World Cup, citing a series of logistical challenges and perceived obstacles created by US authorities. After drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening group match, the team was reportedly forced to travel back to Mexico, their World Cup base, instead of staying in the US for optimal recovery.

"They delayed our arrival here, now they are forcing us to travel early without the possibility of restitution," said Iran's national coach, Amir Ghalenoei, according to AFP. "They are making things more and more difficult for us and constantly giving us new obstacles. That is why I believe we are the World Cup's most oppressed team."

They delayed our arrival here, now they are forcing us to travel early without the possibility of restitution. They are making things more and more difficult for us and constantly giving us new obstacles. That is why I believe we are the World Cup's most oppressed team.

— Amir GhalenoeiIran's national coach on the treatment of his team by US authorities.

The team has faced significant hurdles leading up to and during the tournament, influenced by the strained diplomatic relations between the US and Iran. Visa issues previously led them to relocate their base from the US to Mexico. Even after a US-Iran agreement to end a conflict, the Iranian team claims they received no assistance after their match.

Captain Mehdi Taremi stated that FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the locker room and promised support, but the team has yet to feel its impact. "It is stressful for both players and staff, and we are getting no help. I believe FIFA should do more to help us. Everything is practically a disaster for us," Taremi said, as reported by AFP. Adding to the difficulties, player Mehdi Torabi initially received a visa for only one entry into the US, raising doubts about his participation in subsequent matches played in the US.

It is stressful for both players and staff, and we are getting no help. I believe FIFA should do more to help us. Everything is practically a disaster for us.

— Mehdi TaremiIran's captain on the lack of support from FIFA.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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