Iran to File FIFA Complaint over Travel Restrictions

The Football Federation of Iran plans to file an official complaint with FIFA, the world soccer governing body, over strict travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian national team by the United States during the World Cup.

Due to visa uncertainty and tense relations between the two countries, the Iranian team must travel to the United States from its training base in Mexico for its group-stage matches. US authorities require the Iranian delegation to enter US territory within 24 hours of kickoff and to leave the country on the same day as the match.

According to the Football Federation of Iran, these conditions conflict directly with the principle of equal treatment for all tournament participants and significantly hinder the players' technical and physical preparation.

National team coach Amir Ghalenoei said that Iran is the "most oppressed" team in the championship.

Under the coaching staff's original plan, the players were to travel to the match venue two days in advance and return the day after the match. US authorities did not permit this, even after the opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Ghalenoei said the disruption had negatively affected the team's performance.

Iran is scheduled to face Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles in Group G play, and will conclude its group stage on 27 June in Seattle against Egypt.

(Reuters, Max)