Iran have claimed they have been delayed from arriving in Seattle for their final World Cup group game due to “harassment” of captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side have faced logistical challenges throughout the tournament, in which they have taken part amid the backdrop of conflict between the Gulf nation and the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament. Iran’s previous two group games have each taken place in Los Angeles.
Iran moved their training base from the U.S. to Mexico, though a request to move their games south of the border was dismissed.
In addition to having to travel internationally for each of their games, Iran were required by US authorities to enter the country within 24 hours of their first two matches and depart on the same day.
Iran lodged a complaint with FIFA over the travel restrictions, with coach Amir Ghalenoei describing his side as the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup.
The US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that Iran would be allowed to travel to Seattle 48 hours ahead of their Group G clash with Egypt in the Pacific Northwest, where they will likely need a point to stand a chance of progression to the knockouts having drawn each of their first two games with New Zealand and Belgium.
However, those travel plans have seemingly been disrupted, with the Iranian Football Federation releasing a statement titled ‘Harassment of Taremi and Alhoei at the Airport Again; Iran National Team Delayed’.
It read: “While Iran’s national team is travelling to the United States for the third time, the team has once again been delayed at the airport due to issues caused by US authorities.
“The members of Iran’s national football team arrived at the airport earlier today for their trip to face Egypt, but as on previous occasions, interference by the host nation, involving Saeed Alhoei and Mehdi Taremi has caused the team to be delayed at the airport.
“The rest of the squad is currently waiting for their coach and team-mate to join them before departing for Seattle for the match against Egypt.”
War between Iran and the US broke out on February 28 after the Gulf state was hit by US-Israeli airstrikes.
A ceasefire was agreed on April 8 and extended this month as the US and Iran each signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war.
