Iran's national football team faces strict travel rules during World Cup, forcing them to leave U.S . right after matches . Decision,confirmed by U.S. officials,follows criticism over handling of team's visas after opening game against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Andrew Giuliani,head of White House FIFA Task Force,said team can enter U.S. only day before matches . Must leave same night after final whistle. "We were clear this was the process," Giuliani said. Iranian team returned to Mexico hours after match ended,around 8 p.m . local time.
Match was politically charged,reflecting ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions amid U.S.-Israel conflict. After game,Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed disappointment over forced departure,thinking they would stay in California overnight for recovery.
Adding to woes,winger Mehdi Torabi's visa expired post first game. But U.S. officials quickly resolved it,giving him a new multiple-entry visa for future matches. "This issue has been resolved," U.S. Department of State spokesperson confirmed,emphasizing commitment to ensure all players can compete.
Giuliani noted all players and coaches got visas,but some support staff and officials were denied entry. He didn't give specifics but cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio's stance: no entry for those with ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. "Secretary Rubio said very clearly: Anybody with direct ties to the IRGC is not coming into the United States of America," Giuliani reiterated.
Iran's captain Mehdi Taremi voiced frustration over logistical challenges,highlighting five-hour journey filled with travel and checks that should be shorter. "I think FIFA have to help us more than this," Taremi said,underscoring difficulties in their World Cup campaign.
Iranian team must navigate these restrictions as they prepare for next matches in Seattle and Los Angeles,with U.S . firm on travel rules . As tournament progresses,sports and geopolitics mix more than ever,especially for a team representing a nation under scrutiny…
