According to a report by The New York Times on June 19 local time, the Iranian Football Federation stated that they will file a complaint with FIFA regarding the itinerary of the Iranian team during the World Cup in the United States.
On June 15th, in the first round of Group G of the USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup held at the Los Angeles Stadium in the United States, the Iranian team drew 2-2 with New Zealand. However, Iranian coach Garenoe stated that after the match, the Iranian team was ordered to leave the United States.
In the statement, the Iranian Football Federation accused FIFA of being inconsistent in ensuring that "all participating teams are given equal conditions".
The Iranian Football Association stated that in order to ensure optimal preparation, "teams need to arrive at the tournament city two days before each match and return to their bases the day after the match."
The Iranian Football Association stated that this request was not approved before the match against New Zealand on the 15th. Players and staff were required to return to their base in Mexico immediately after the final whistle. The same situation occurred again before the match against Belgium on the 21st. The Iranian team was only allowed to travel to Los Angeles the day before the match.
The statement read: "Therefore, the Football Association will formally express its dissatisfaction and submit a formal complaint to FIFA."
However, Gallenore did not reveal who ordered the Iranian team to leave early. The Iranian team was originally scheduled to stay overnight in California in order to recover as much as possible after their first match. But after the game, they were told to board their flights immediately and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, which is 140 miles away.
Galleano said, "Our team is perhaps the most underrated team in this World Cup."
Iranian captain Taremi said on that day that the journey from Tijuana to Los Angeles on the 14th should have been short, but the team experienced a five-hour trip and security checks.
After the match on the 15th, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Iranian team's locker room and said to the players, "I know what you have gone through, but you are stronger than anything else. You have sent a powerful message to the whole world."
It is reported that all three group matches of the Iranian team were held within the United States. Apart from the match against New Zealand on the 15th, the Iranian team will play against Belgium in Inglewood, Los Angeles on the 21st local time, and against Egypt in Seattle on the 26th local time. Regardless of the ranking of the Iranian team in Group G, as long as they make it to the knockout stage, they will play matches in the United States or Canada.
