Iran captain Taremi criticises Infantino over World Cup travel issues
The result left Iran third in Group G, meaning the team must wait for Saturday's final group matches to determine if they qualify for the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticised FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, describing the logistical management of Iran's World Cup campaign as a disaster following a 0-0 draw against Egypt yesterday (26 June).
The result left Iran third in Group G, meaning the team must wait for Saturday's final group matches to determine if they qualify for the round of 32 as one of the best third-place teams.
Following the match in Seattle, the squad was scheduled to fly back to their tournament base in Tijuana, Mexico.
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Iran originally planned to base its camp in Tucson, Arizona, but relocated to Mexico in late May due to the ongoing military conflict between the US and Iran.
The conflict began on February 28 when US and Israeli military strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, drawing retaliatory strikes from Iran.
Taremi said that the squad has faced persistent travel and entry difficulties when moving in and out of the United States.
He noted that Infantino visited the dressing room after Iran's opening match against New Zealand to promise improvements, but the issues remain unresolved as the group stage concludes.
"We don't have our logistic people here – they don't have a visa," Taremi told reporters. "How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana? We love the people in Tijuana. We love Mexico... but as a professional player in a professional competition, it's not right."
Taremi, who missed a first-half penalty during Friday's draw, questioned whether FIFA wanted Iran out of the tournament, stating the players had no recovery or logistical support staff present.
