Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi spoke together ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup opener against New Zealand.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi (Image: (Patrick T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images))
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed that the controversy surrounding the World Cup campaign has undermined FIFA’s message of peace. Iran’s involvement in the games had been questioned since US and Israeli airstrikes began in February.
The team moved its practice base to Tijuana, Mexico to avoid visa issues, but 11 officials were still denied U.S. visas to cross the border and attend the team’s games. They arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of the opening game against New Zealand, but Taremi said “this kind of tension would spoil the joy and undermine the message of FIFA and the people of football and peace.”
“I think this World Cup has provided a better atmosphere than in the past and I hope that in the future it will be a better atmosphere for all fans, regardless of who they are rooting for. It is not only Iran that has been affected. Other countries have been affected, including the referees (Omar Altan of Somalia was refused entry). I have felt nervous from the first moment I arrived at this World Cup.
“Of course, we don’t have the beautiful experiences that we usually talk about, peace and joy. I know there were visa issues in some countries and changes in training camps. There is a sense of tension, but it was there even before the World Cup started. I think that this feeling, that feeling that people always look forward to the World Cup, they didn’t have the same feeling this time.”
FIFA officials warned reporters to be faithful to sport and tactics ahead of a press conference attended by Taremi and Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei. And Galenoi admitted that the build-up leading up to the World Cup had not been ideal in many ways.
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He said: “Football has its own plans and strategies and you need to plan properly to participate in this.
“Yes, our camp changed twice, first in the United States and then in Mexico. Of course, it affected us. We would like to thank the good people of Mexico.”
“But we Iranians are used to creating opportunities out of difficulties. We think of nothing else but bringing joy to our people. The rest is up to God. If God wants it, I know that our players are determined to give their all.”
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei speaks to the media with Mehdi Taremi (Image: (Patrick T. FALLON / AFP via Getty Images))
Late on Sunday night UK time, US President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal had been reached with Iran. He also said he would lift an Iranian port blockade aimed at blocking the regime’s oil revenues.
“The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is complete. Congratulations everyone!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I hereby fully authorize the free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and at the same time authorize the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
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