The US Department of Homeland Security has granted Iran’s football team an extra day in the country to prepare for their decisive World Cup group-stage match against Egypt, easing travel restrictions that had prompted complaints of unfair treatment.
Iran will now be allowed to travel to Seattle two days before Friday’s game, rather than the 24-hour window imposed for their first two matches. The team, based in Tijuana, Mexico, under tight visa conditions, had been forced to enter the US the day before each fixture and leave immediately after. “For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on 26 June, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. “The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends.”
“Iran's team gets extra day in US for World Cup match after complaints over 'disaster' travel restrictions.”
The move follows weeks of protest from Iran’s camp. The Iranian Football Federation had planned to lodge an official complaint with Fifa over what it called “restrictions imposed by the organisers”. Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, described his side as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament, saying they had been “robbed” of preparation time and given “less than half” the training window they needed. Captain Mehdi Taremi called the logistical experience a “disaster”.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup task force, had previously said officials were considering adjustments for the Seattle match, noting that the journey from Tijuana to Seattle takes up to three hours. “The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the DHS statement added. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff and fans alike.”
Iran sit second in Group G, level on two points with Belgium, and will qualify for the knockout stage if they beat Egypt. A draw could also be enough. The match comes amid ongoing talks between the US and Iran to end a conflict that began in February. Ghalenoei, speaking before Iran’s second match, insisted: “We are here for football, not politics.”