Iran To File FIFA Complaint Over US Travel Restrictions

TIJUANA: Iran’s World Cup team will file an official complaint to FIFA over claims they have been subjected to travel restrictions throughout the tournament in North America, according to a spokesman for the Football Federation of Iran.

“Although the tournament preparation schedule was submitted well in advance, the Iranian national team is once again facing restrictions imposed by the organisers, which has affected the implementation of the coaching staff’s plans,” he said.

Iran wanted to fly from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico to the United States two days earlier before their next match against Belgium in Los Angeles on Monday.

However, the Football Federation of Iran claimed the application was rejected.

“Given that the match will take place at 12 noon local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran applied for the team to be allowed to arrive two days earlier.

“The aim was to give players sufficient time to adapt to match conditions, conduct their final training session and complete their preparations.

“Although technical reasons were submitted, the application was once again rejected,” he said.

Iran also expressed dissatisfaction over having to leave Los Angeles on the same night after their first World Cup match which ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

However, the US administration rejected the allegations made by Iran.

White House FIFA Task Force Executive Director Andrew Giuliani said Iran had already been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the US one day before the match.

“They also have to leave the country on the same day the match ends, which is on the night after the match concludes. The same procedure will apply when they are in Los Angeles,” he said.

He added that the same rules would also apply for their final Group E match against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

Harian Metro