SEATTLE (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – “This has been a disastrous World Cup, a complete disaster. FIFA should have resolved all these problems, but that hasn’t happened. Gianni Infantino came to see us after the first match and told us we were only at the beginning, but the group stage ends tomorrow and our logistics staff still aren’t here. They couldn’t join us because they haven’t been granted visas.” Those were the words of Mehdi Taremi following Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.
The result leaves Team Melli with a chance of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, but their qualification hopes remain in serious jeopardy.
Taremi, the former Inter striker, who missed a penalty with Egypt leading 1-0, expressed his frustration over the restrictions affecting the Iranian national team. Because of visa issues, Iran has been forced to establish its base camp in Mexico and return there immediately after every match played in the United States. Several members of the team’s support staff have been unable to join the squad.
“We’re professionals, and in a competition like the World Cup this simply isn’t acceptable. If FIFA believes these conditions are fair, that’s their opinion, but they’re certainly not fair for us. Nobody is helping us,” Taremi said.
Asked whether he felt there were people hoping for Iran’s elimination, the striker replied: “All I know is that we have to fight against everything and everyone. I don’t know whether people want us to go home, but from our perspective, it certainly feels that way.”
Speaking after the match in comments reported by A Bola, Taremi concluded: “I’m disappointed, but we haven’t lost hope. We’ll continue giving everything we have for our people because we want to make them proud. We want to send a message of peace—not only to the Iranian people, but to everyone, including FIFA. Unfortunately, we don’t feel that same spirit of peace is being shown toward us.”
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
