Iran's football federation has announced that it will lodge a formal complaint with FIFA regarding the travel restrictions imposed by the United States on its World Cup squad.
Travel curbs spark diplomatic tension
Because of visa uncertainties, the Iranian team has been forced to base itself in Mexico and make daily round‑trips to the United States for each group‑stage match, a schedule that requires them to enter and leave the country within a 24‑hour window after every game.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei described the situation as unprecedented, saying the team feels 'the most oppressed' of all participants in the tournament.
The Football Federation of Iran argues that the measures contravene the principle of equal conditions for all competing teams and has called on world football's governing body to intervene.
Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House World Cup Task Force, indicated a willingness to renegotiate the entry terms, while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintained that the restrictions are purely safety precautions mutually agreed upon with Iran.
Iran is slated to face Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27, matches that will test whether the diplomatic dispute can be resolved before the team takes the field.