Iran striker Mehdi Taremi has stated that the controversy and disruption surrounding the national team's participation in the World Cup undermines Fifa's message of peace. He acknowledged feeling tension before landing in Los Angeles on the eve of their opening match, just hours before a peace deal was announced. For the first time in the competition's history, a host nation has received a country with which it is at war.
Arrival in Los Angeles Amid Protests
On Sunday, Iran flew from Tijuana, Mexico, where they had been relocated due to an ongoing visa dispute, to Los Angeles. Upon arrival at their team hotel in Manhattan Beach, they were met by Iranian protesters, many of whom are part of the 375,000-strong Iranian population in California—the largest outside Iran. A heavy police and security presence, including drones, mobile surveillance, and sniffer dogs, was also evident. A western area of Los Angeles centred on Westwood is nicknamed "Tehrangeles" due to the large Iranian diaspora. Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoi, remarked, "Iran will be playing as locals in Los Angeles, in spite of it all."
Taremi's Comments on Tension
"This kind of tension undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is about football and bringing about peace," said Olympiakos forward Taremi. "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, whoever they are supporting. It's not just Iran that has been impacted, others have been impacted, including referees [Somali official Omar Artan was denied entry]. I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup. Of course, we don't have the same beautiful experience we usually talk about – peace and joy. I know several countries had visa problems and changing of training camps. The tension exists – it did before the World Cup even started. The feeling, the sensation people always have looking forward to a World Cup, I think this time they hadn't had the same feeling."
Coach Ghalenoi's Perspective
About 35,000 Iran supporters are expected for their Group G opener against New Zealand, with several anticipated to protest before the game. "We are here to play football and we are here to represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside of Iran or the diaspora," said Ghalenoi. "We are only thinking about our country. We're not political people and the slogan of Fifa is this, that football is separate from politics. We respect each and every one of the Iranians." Ghalenoi conceded that the convoluted travel has impacted their preparations. "We were supposed to start training earlier, but, look, we arrived late and we didn't have enough time to adjust, of course that will affect us. I know my players are determined to do their utmost. I hope the World Cup will go well despite the travel problems we've had … I hope it will not affect the quality of our play."
Visa Issues and Delays
Iran reportedly passed through customs without issue but arrived about 20 minutes late for their pre-match press conference at So-Fi Stadium. "It wasn't our fault," Taremi said. "The players of the national team play for every Iranian … People have different opinions but we are here as footballers to unite people and we will try to bring joy to all Iranians, irrespective of where they live. Everyone can have their own opinion. We are not here to get involved in politics, we are here to play football."
Absence of Sardar Azmoun
Ghalenoi was also asked about the absence of Sardar Azmoun amid reports of a perceived act of disloyalty to the government. Azmoun, who plays in the United Arab Emirates, is reported to have angered his government by posting a photo of himself with UAE ruler Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. Facilities in the UAE have been attacked by Iran during the conflict. "Serdar Azmoun is an excellent player and has done a lot for the national team, but he is not with us and we wish he was, but this is football, sorry," Ghalenoi said.
Flag Controversy
An issue facing Fifa is the possibility of supporters bringing flags displaying the country's historical flag, featuring a lion and a sun, from before the Islamic revolution. The flag is banned from stadiums at the World Cup. A Fifa official shut down a question relating to the flag, saying it was not relevant to the game.
