19.06.2026 20:50
The Iran Football Federation is preparing to file a complaint with FIFA over restrictions imposed on the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Iran Football Federation is preparing to file an official complaint with FIFA due to travel and preparation restrictions imposed on their national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
IRAN'S REACTION
Iran, competing in Group G, is upset because they were only allowed to arrive in Los Angeles 24 hours before their match against Belgium on Sunday, June 21.
"WE WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH FIFA"
Iran, which drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their first group match, had their request to return to Tijuana, Mexico, where they were based, denied after a recovery training session the following morning. A statement from the federation said: "We believe such restrictions are incompatible with the principle of ensuring equal conditions for all teams participating in the tournament. These practices negatively affect teams' preparation processes. As a federation, we will formally convey our dissatisfaction and file a complaint with FIFA through appropriate channels. Despite all these limitations, our national team will continue its preparations and focus on the match against Belgium."
"THE MOST PERSECUTED AND OPPRESSED TEAM"
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei made the following statements after the match against New Zealand:
"They told us we had to leave immediately. This situation is really challenging for us. To be honest, we don't know why they sent us back. It seems very strange. It feels like others are making our plans for us. Our team is the most persecuted and oppressed team in the entire World Cup."