Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has said the experience and joy his team should feel when playing at the World Cup have been undermined by the political tension between his country and the US.
Iran’s involvement in the competition has been in doubt since the United States and Israeli air strikes on the country began in February, with the team’s training camp being relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, to avoid visa issues in the US.
The team arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday for their opening game, and captain Taremi said the arrival was nothing like his previous two experiences at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, with 11 of the team’s officials being denied US visas to cross the border and attend the matches.
‘It’s not just Iran that has been impacted; others, including referees, have been impacted,’ said Taremi, referencing Somali referee Omar Artan.
‘Of course, we have felt the tension from the moment we arrived at this World Cup. Of course, we don’t have the same beautiful experience of peace and joy [as at previous World Cups].
‘But I know it was not just us; several countries had visa problems and changes of training camps. There was tension before even arriving.’
He added: ‘This kind of tension undermines that joy and undermines the message of FIFA, which is about football bringing about peace.
‘I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has. But I hope in the future it will be better for all fans of whatever team they are supporting in the World Cup.’
The Iranian team is limited to brief trips into the U.S. for its matches, flying in the day before the game and reportedly flying out immediately afterwards, and it is expected that the team will face hostility from the Iranian diaspora at Monday’s match.
The diaspora sees the squad as an extension of the Iranian government, and with anti-regime sentiment strong among expats, the team was met with protestors outside of their hotel on Sunday evening.
Mehdi Taremi added: ‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and we respect them. We are here to bring joy to the Iranian people. We are not getting involved in politics; we are here to play football.’
