Iran left a handwritten message in their dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium after a goalless draw against Belgium, calling for peace between nations while their country remains at war with the United States.
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note, released by the Football Federation of Iran, read. “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity.”
“Iran leave handwritten peace note after World Cup draw while Jeremy Doku returns to UK for son's birth.”
The message also referenced an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war, and ended: “May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued by the conflict. Multiple “integral” backroom staff were denied entry visas, and their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament. The team switched their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and are allowed to fly into the US only a day before a game and must leave on match day. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei called them the “most oppressed” team after their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, said there are “discussions going on” about travel arrangements for Iran’s third group game against Egypt on 27 June.
Belgium, meanwhile, missed Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku for the goalless draw. Doku had been sidelined with a respiratory illness but was granted permission to catch an emergency flight to London for the birth of his first child. Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said: “As he had already been receiving the appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk in order to be with his family during this very special moment. He was accompanied by my colleague, Dr. Brecht De Coninck. Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully.”
Doku’s wife Shireen gave birth to their son Praise, and Belgium confirmed he will rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle. Rudi Garcia’s side face New Zealand on Friday needing a win after two draws to avoid World Cup elimination.
The winger’s decision to leave the tournament drew criticism from French commentator France Pierron, who said on L’Equipe de Choc: “You can’t miss a World Cup. And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?” The publication later apologised, saying the comments did not represent its values.