Late on Sunday night, Donald Trump announced a peace deal with Iran – but for Mehdi Taremi, the damage to this World Cup was already done. “This kind of tension undermines the joy of the World Cup,” said the Iran captain, speaking in Los Angeles hours before his team’s opener against New Zealand. “It undermines the message of FIFA and our people, which is about football and bringing about peace.”
Taremi said he had felt the tension from the moment Iran’s squad arrived – and even before. The team’s involvement in the tournament had been in doubt since US and Israeli air strikes began in February. Visa problems forced Iran to move their base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Even then, 11 officials were denied US visas and cannot attend the matches. “Of course, we don’t have the same beautiful experience we usually talk about – peace and joy,” Taremi added. “I know several countries had visa problems and changing of training camps.”
“Iran captain Mehdi Taremi says political tension has 'undermined' World Cup joy ahead of opener against New Zealand.”
Iran’s manager, Amir Ghalenoei, said the disruption had inevitably affected preparations. “Without any doubt, this kind of behaviour has impacted the spirit of football,” he told the BBC. “Football is supposed to bring nations and cultures together… these conditions have affected our focus.” Ghalenoei thanked the “good people of Mexico” after the camp was changed twice. “But we Iranians are accustomed to making opportunities out of hardship,” he said. “God willing, I know our players are determined to do their utmost.”
FIFA officials warned reporters to stick to sport and tactics before the press conference. But the politics refused to stay off the pitch. The governing body has banned the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag – a powerful symbol for many Iranians abroad. Activist Arezo Rashidian, helping organise demonstrations outside SoFi Stadium, said: “You don’t come to Los Angeles and tell us we can’t fly the Lion and Sun flag… We’re opposing Fifa’s ban and standing in solidarity with the people of Iran.” Many in the diaspora see the squad as an extension of the Islamic Republic. “It’s unfortunate that the regime turns athletes into mouthpieces,” Rashidian added.
The peace deal – “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote – may ease fears of further escalation. But as Taremi put it: “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.”