Mehdi Taremi, the striker for Iran, expressed that the surrounding controversy and disruptions related to their participation in the World Cup diminish Fifa’s message of peace. He acknowledged feeling the weight of this tension as the team arrived in Los Angeles just hours before their first match, coinciding with the announcement of a peace agreement.
On Sunday, the Iranian team traveled to LA from Tijuana, Mexico, where they were relocated due to ongoing visa disputes. They are expected to encounter protests from Iranians who feel that the national team does not accurately represent the nation. The lead-up to the tournament has been marred by various issues, including several officials being denied entry to the United States.
“This kind of tension undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is about football and bringing about peace,” Taremi stated. “I think this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has and I hope in the future it will be better for all fans, whoever they are supporting. “It’s not just Iran that has been impacted, others have been impacted, including referees [the Somali official Omar Artan was denied entry]. I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup. Of course, we don’t have the same beautiful experience we usually talk about – peace and joy. I know several countries had visa problems and changing of training camps. The tension exists – it did before the World Cup even started. The feeling, the sensation people always have looking forward to a World Cup, I think this time they hadn’t had the same feeling.”
Taremi noted that the challenges are not isolated to Iran, as others, including referees, have faced similar issues. “Iran will be playing as locals in Los Angeles, in spite of it all,” he added. He emphasized that the anticipation usually felt before a World Cup has not been present this time.
Upon their arrival in LA, Taremi and his teammates experienced a second attempt at landing. They were met by Iranian protesters at their hotel in Manhattan Beach, many of whom are part of California’s sizable Iranian community of approximately 375,000, the largest outside of Iran. The area of Westwood, known as “We are here to play football and we are here to represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside of Iran or the diaspora,” reflects this significant diaspora. “We are only thinking about our country. We’re not political people and the slogan of Fifa is this, that football is separate from politics. We respect each and every one of the Iranians.” remarked Amir Ghalenoi, the head coach of Iran’s team.
For the Group G opener against New Zealand, around 35,000 supporters are anticipated, alongside protests against the team. Ghalenoi said, “We were supposed to start training earlier, but, look, we arrived late and we didn’t have enough time to adjust, of course that will affect us,”
Ghalenoi acknowledged that the complicated travel arrangements have affected their training. “I know my players are determined to do their utmost. I hope the World Cup will go well despite the travel problems we’ve had … I hope it will not affect the quality of our play.” he explained. “The players of the national team play for every Iranian … People have different opinions but we are here as footballers to unite people and we will try to bring joy to all Iranians, irrespective of where they live. Everyone can have their own opinion. We are not here to get involved in politics, we are here to play football.”
Although Iran reportedly cleared customs without significant issues, they arrived approximately 20 minutes late for their pre-match press conference at So-Fi Stadium. “Serdar Azmoun is an excellent player and has done a lot for the national team, but he is not with us and we wish he was, but this is football, sorry,” Taremi stated. “The players of the national team play for every Iranian … People have different opinions but we are here as footballers to unite people and we will try to bring joy to all Iranians, irrespective of where they live.”
Ghalenoi addressed the absence of Sardar Azmoun amid reports of perceived disloyalty to the government. Azmoun, who currently plays in the UAE, reportedly upset officials by posting a photo with the UAE’s ruler Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, which has drawn criticism given the ongoing conflict. “Serdar Azmoun is an excellent player and has done a lot for the national team, but he is not with us and we wish he was, but this is football, sorry,” Ghalenoi remarked.
Fifa faces a potential challenge regarding fans bringing flags featuring the historical emblem of Iran, which is banned from stadiums during the World Cup. A Fifa official dismissed questions about the flag, stating it was not pertinent to the game.
