The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) is planning to submit their complaint to FIFA, saying that the restrictions imposed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 have put the country’s team at greater risk compared to other participating countries. Iranian officials believe the measures have disrupted the team’s preparations and recovery plans for the rest of the season, raising concerns about the tournament’s success.In a statement released on Friday, the organization said: “Iran’s football federation believes that such bans are not in line with the principle of providing equal conditions to all participating teams and could disrupt the process of organizing teams.”“As a result, the organization will show its dissatisfaction and complain to FIFA through the appropriate channels. Although there are no limits, the Iranian national team will continue its preparation and focus on the upcoming match with Belgium,” he said.The story follows the events of Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, after which the team had to leave the United States shortly after the final whistle and return to its training ground in Mexico.Iran have been operating out of Tijuana throughout the tournament after failing to set up their first camp in Arizona. The organization also says that several of its employees have been denied visas, which has led to further complications in the process.
Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei at the post match conference
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed his dismay at his side’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The former manager said the team was informed immediately after the game that they had to leave the United States and return to Mexico without delay.Speaking at a post-match press conference, Ghalenoei said his team was suddenly told they had to return to Mexico immediately after the match in Los Angeles.“After the game they told us, ‘You have to leave immediately. We have been asked to board a plane and go back to our camp in Tijuana, and we are suffering a lot from this,'” Ghalenoe told reporters at the press conference after the game.“They’re forcing us to come back early. They’re making things more difficult, more obstacles, but we can’t let that stop us from doing what we can,” he said.The news comes ahead of a crucial clash against Belgium, with Iran looking to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages. The players continue to train in Mexico as they prepare for one of their biggest games of the tournament.
