Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA and described aspects of the World Cup as a “disaster” after his side’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage were left hanging in the balance.
Iran were denied a dramatic late winner in their final Group G match against Egypt on Friday, with Shojae Khalilzadeh’s stoppage-time effort ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The goalless draw leaves Iran waiting to discover whether they will progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. They currently sit sixth in that ranking, with the top eight advancing to the last 32.
Iran also struck the crossbar late on as they pushed for a decisive goal, but Egypt held on to secure second place and a knockout tie against Australia.
Taremi fumes at FIFA
Speaking after the match in Seattle, Taremi expressed frustration over the travel arrangements imposed on the Iranian squad throughout the tournament.
Due to visa restrictions, Iran have been based in the Mexican city of Tijuana and have been required to travel back there after matches played in the United States.
“We have to beg. We’ve spoken about these issues since the beginning,” Taremi said.
“It’s a disaster. These problems should have been solved before the tournament started.
“Mr Infantino came into our dressing room before the first game and told us it was only the beginning, but the group stage is already finished and nothing has changed.
“We don’t have all of our staff here because some of them couldn’t get visas. We keep travelling back to Tijuana after matches. We love the people there and they’ve been very welcoming, but this is supposed to be a professional competition.
“After a game like this, we should be recovering. Instead, we’re travelling again. In our opinion, that’s not fair.”
‘Infantino can do more to help’
Taremi also called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to do more to help Iran if they qualify for the knockout rounds.
Iran are provisionally set to face Switzerland in Vancouver should they advance.
“We always give everything for our people,” Taremi added.
“We want to make them happy and send a message of peace to everyone in Iran and around the world.
“But there is no peace for us in this situation. Someone has to solve these problems. Whether it’s FIFA or someone else, I don’t know.
“I believe Infantino can do more to help.”
Meanwhile, Egypt secured second place in Group G and will face Australia in the last 32.
Group winners Belgium booked their place in the knockout stage after a 5-1 win over New Zealand and are currently set to meet South Korea in the next round.
