Iran captain voices concerns over travel disruptions
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed his team are being forced to leave Los Angeles immediately after their World Cup opener, insisting the situation is creating unnecessary stress ahead of their next match, reports BritPanorama.
Taremi spoke out following Iran’s entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand, revealing that the squad had been instructed to depart shortly after the final whistle rather than remain in the city as originally planned. He suggested these travel arrangements were disrupting the team’s preparations and called on FIFA to provide greater support.
“Everything is like a disaster actually for us,” Taremi said. “We still have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning, recovery, then leave for Tijuana. But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for football because in a World Cup you have to prepare good for the next game,” he added.
The sudden travel requirement, according to Taremi, is putting additional pressure on players and staff during the tournament. “Because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone,” he continued. “But we don’t have that support, and I think FIFA have to help us more than this.”
Despite the off-field frustrations, Iran can take encouragement from their performance against New Zealand. The team showed impressive resilience, coming from behind twice to claim a valuable point in their opening Group G fixture, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
The 33-year-old captain revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the game and expressed a desire to assist the team. When asked what was discussed, Taremi replied, “He just wants to help us. It’s the beginning of the World Cup now, and he will help us.”
However, Taremi declined to engage in political debate, stating simply, “I’m here to play football, my friend. We are tired to talk about these issues. If they help us, we are much appreciated about that. If no one helps us, it doesn’t matter.”
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei echoed Taremi’s sentiments, expressing confusion over the travel plans. The team had expected to stay in Los Angeles overnight before returning to their training base the following day. “We were supposed to stay tonight and return tomorrow lunchtime,” Ghalenoei said. “I have no idea why, and they haven’t told us.”
Despite these challenges, Iran’s performance against New Zealand reflects a team capable of overcoming adversity. With matches against Belgium and Egypt ahead, their path to qualification for the knockout rounds remains very much alive. As the squad navigates both on-pitch challenges and administrative hurdles, they are reminded that in the World Cup, every distraction can impact the spirit of competition.
