Infantino Acknowledges Iran's World Cup Travel Issues After 2-2 Draw With New Zealand
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 16
Infantino Acknowledges Iran's World Cup Travel Issues After 2-2 Draw With New Zealand
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 16
Summary
Gianni Infantino spent about 10 minutes in Iran’s locker room after Monday’s 2-2 draw, telling players he understood their difficulties after they publicly blasted World Cup travel restrictions.
Hours after the match at SoFi Stadium, Iran was required to fly back to its Tijuana base instead of staying in Los Angeles for recovery, with players saying the rushed turnaround hurts preparation and performance.
Amir Ghalenoei said 11 staffers had been denied U.S. entry and that the team’s president, media and managers were absent, while players also complained they were allowed to arrive only one day before the game.
FIFA was cited by an Iranian federation official as requesting the immediate return, though players and staff strongly suggested U.S. restrictions on Iranian nationals are the underlying cause; FIFA and the White House task force were asked for comment.
The dispute adds to pressure on organizers to ensure equal tournament conditions for Iran, whose participation had already been in doubt after the February U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.