Iran’s Ghalenoei, Taremi decry US treatment before first World Cup game

Los Angeles — Upon arrival in the United States, Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei wanted to talk about football.

Before Iran’s first press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, FIFA officials warned reporters to stick to sport and tactics when addressing Ghalenoei and striker Mehdi Taremi.

But there was no escaping the politics-shaped elephant in the room – from visa denials to anticipated protests and logistical hurdles placed on the path of Team Melli’s arrival in the nation hosting their World Cup games while basing them across the border in Mexico.

He said the tournament’s organisation by the US, including refusing to host the team’s base camp during the tournament, created a challenge for Iran.

“This kind of behaviour will negatively impact the spirit of football,” Ghalenoei told reporters. “Whether we win, whether we lose, this is a difficult feeling.”

Taremi echoed that assessment, suggesting that the restrictive travel policies of the US have taken some shine off the joy that the World Cup always brings.

The former Inter Milan striker cited the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, stressing that it is not only Iran who faced issues with the American hosts.

“We don’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about – the peace, the joy,” Taremi said.