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The leader of Iran speaks bitterly
Iran national team captain Mehdi Taremi has made open accusations against FIFA and the US authorities after a 1-1 draw with Egypt ended the Persian Lions’ hopes of qualifying for the round of 32.
Tarmi said in the mixed zone after the game. “From our point of view, we feel that FIFA and the American authorities want to remove us from the tournament,” directly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “He came after the first game and promised to solve all the problems, but FIFA did nothing.”
The Iranian star pointed to the difficult logistical problems facing his country’s national team, notably the failure to obtain entry visas for members of the technical staff, in addition to the team having to make grueling trips to their home base in Tijuana between matches.
He added sharply. “This cup is a disaster, we cannot compete in these conditions, and this is not fair. If FIFA thinks this is fair, then that’s their problem.”
For his part, technical director Amir Kalanui accused the host nation of denying his team basic rights, saying: “If they had allowed us to arrive two weeks earlier, we would have been more prepared and in better physical condition, but they denied us this right.”
On the pitch, the video assistant referee disallowed Iran’s late winner for Shoja Khalilzade inches from offside, compounding the team’s frustration as Taremi missed a penalty.
The Iranian captain took responsibility, saying: “If we leave the tournament, it will be my fault,” expressing hope that one of the best third-placed teams can qualify.
Iran await the results of the other groups next week to decide their fate, while Taremi and Qalanui’s scathing statements sparked widespread debate over the fairness of the playing conditions for the teams taking part in the tournament.
