Iran coach calls team 'most oppressed' at World Cup after travel

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has described his team as the "most oppressed" at the World Cup after last-minute travel restrictions forced them to return to their training base in Mexico immediately following a friendly match against New Zealand.

Speaking after Monday night's 2-2 draw, Ghalenoei said the team had expected to stay overnight in Los Angeles and hold a recovery session the following day. Instead, they were told after the final whistle to board a plane back to Tijuana, Mexico, where they have been based since late May after logistical and visa issues forced them to relocate from their original camp in Tucson, Arizona.

Travel disruptions and visa issues

"After the game they said to us, 'you have to leave immediately'," Ghalenoei said. "We've been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that. They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best."

Iran's World Cup campaign has been plagued by uncertainty, linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns. Multiple "integral" members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the United States, while the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) called on FIFA to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

FIFA president visits dressing room

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the match against New Zealand as tensions continue. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi praised Infantino for allowing the team to express their concerns but urged the governing body to do more to support the national side.

"It's not good for us. It's not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and staff and everyone," said Taremi. "But we don't have that support, and I think FIFA have to help us more than this."

Uncertainty over scheduling

Iran is scheduled to return to Los Angeles for their Group G match against Belgium on June 21 (20:00 BST), with their final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 27 (04:00 BST). Ghalenoei expressed confusion over the travel orders, saying, "We don't know why they're returning us, to be honest. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us."

He added: "We were supposed to arrive two nights before the game but they didn't permit [it]. We were supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime. I think our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup. Our federation isn't here, our media isn't here, our management isn't here."

Taremi echoed his coach's sentiments, labeling the situation a "disaster."