Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused tournament authorities of treating his team unfairly, claiming travel disruptions linked to recent US-Iran tensions affected the players’ performance in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup.
The match, played in Los Angeles less than 24 hours after a peace agreement was announced between the United States and Iran, took place amid political uncertainty and logistical challenges surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Speaking after the game, Ghalenoei said the team had faced repeated travel difficulties. Iran had previously moved its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana because of concerns over visa arrangements and security.
The coach said Iran had expected to stay overnight in Los Angeles after the match before returning to Mexico the following day, but were instead instructed to depart immediately.
“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” Ghalenoei said.
“To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”