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Iran to lodge formal complaint over US World Cup visa conditions for players and coaches

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Iran plans to file a complaint with FIFA over US visa restrictions affecting its team at the World Cup.
  • The team is commuting from Mexico for US-based games due to visa uncertainties, with US authorities requiring entry within 24 hours of a match.
  • Iran's coach called the team the "most oppressed," and the federation stated the restrictions may affect their preparation.

Iran intends to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, football's international governing body, regarding travel restrictions imposed by the United States on its national team during the World Cup. The Iranian team is currently commuting from their tournament base in co-host Mexico for their group stage matches held in the US.

The Football Federation of Iran believes these restrictions are inconsistent with the principles of providing equal conditions for participating teams and may affect their technical preparation.

— Football Federation of IranThe federation's statement announcing its protest to FIFA.

These travel challenges stem from visa uncertainties and ongoing conflict with the US. American authorities mandate that the Iranian team must enter the US no more than 24 hours before a match and depart the same day. This tight schedule has led team coach Amir Ghalenoei to declare Iran the "most oppressed" team in the tournament.

Under the coaching staff's plan, the national team needed to travel to the host city two days before each match in order to achieve optimal technical and physical condition, and then return to their base the day after the match.

— Football Federation of IranExplaining the team's ideal preparation schedule which has been disrupted.

The Football Federation of Iran issued a statement arguing that these restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams. They also expressed concern that the limitations could negatively impact the team's technical preparation. The federation stated its protest to FIFA on Friday.

However, for the opening match against New Zealand, this request was not approved.

— Football Federation of IranDetailing the specific instance where their preparation plan was denied.

Coach Ghalenoei believes the disruption has already prejudiced Iran, citing their 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday. According to the federation's plan, the national team required travel to the host city two days prior to each match to ensure optimal technical and physical condition, returning to their base the day after. However, this request was reportedly not approved for the opening match against New Zealand. Iran is scheduled to play Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and conclude their Group G fixtures against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.

Iran were the "most oppressed" team in the tournament.

— Amir GhalenoeiThe Iranian team coach's assessment of their situation due to US travel restrictions.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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