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Iran's Taremi criticises logistical issues, suggests side not welcome in US
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Iran's Taremi criticises logistical issues, suggests side not welcome in US

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticized the logistical conditions for his team at the World Cup, questioning if they are welcome in the United States.
  • Taremi described the tournament as a logistical "disaster" and called on FIFA to resolve issues, noting the absence of logistics personnel.
  • The team faced travel restrictions and had a late winner disallowed for offside in their 1-1 draw with Egypt, potentially jeopardizing their knockout stage hopes.

Iran's captain, Mehdi Taremi, voiced strong criticism regarding the logistical challenges his team faces at the World Cup, questioning their reception in the United States. Following a 1-1 draw with Egypt on Friday, which left Iran's progression to the knockout stage uncertain, Taremi described the tournament's organization as a logistical "disaster."

FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they couldn't stop, since the beginning.

— Mehdi TaremiIran's captain criticized FIFA's handling of logistical issues at the World Cup.

Taremi missed a penalty and hit the crossbar before Iran had a potential late winner ruled out for offside. The match itself was shadowed by geopolitical tensions, with some fans displaying pre-revolutionary flags and booing the national anthem. This occurred just hours after the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, with both nations accusing each other of violating a ceasefire.

it's just the beginning

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA President's reported comment to the Iran team after their first game.

Despite the U.S. allowing Iran to travel from their Mexican base two days before the game, Taremi insisted the conditions were unfair. "FIFA, they have to solve every problem here but unfortunately they couldn't stop, since the beginning," Taremi told reporters. He highlighted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had visited the Iran changing room after their first game, but "the group-stage finishes tomorrow and we don't have our logistics people here."

the group-stage finishes tomorrow and we don't have our logistics people here.

— Mehdi TaremiTaremi highlighted the lack of support staff despite FIFA's assurances.

Taremi expressed frustration with the constant travel to Tijuana, stating, "We love the people of Mexico. We love Tijuana, it's so good, they are so humble people. But as professional players, in a professional competition, it's not right." He suggested Iran's presence at the tournament was unwelcome, asking, "Who wants to help us? If they want us to be out – OK, let's get out. But that's not fair."

We love the people of Mexico. We love Tijuana, it's so good, they are so humble people. But as professional players, in a professional competition, it's not right.

— Mehdi TaremiTaremi expressed mixed feelings about playing in Tijuana due to the travel demands.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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