Iran's football federation says star forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei hit a snag with U.S. officials en route from Mexico to Seattle for World Cup clash against Egypt. Delay lasted 25 minutes, federation stated Wednesday during team's third U.S. trip.
Federation claimed U.S. hosts "caused problems" for Taremi,Alhoei. No reason given for hold-up,nor if they were questioned. Eventually both rejoined team,heading to Seattle.
Based in Tijuana,Mexico,Iran's squad grapples with challenges amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli tensions. This trip is their third for World Cup matches; past games were in Los Angeles. Seattle's match also on West Coast .
Day before incident,U.S. authorities eased travel rules for Iranian team,letting them arrive in Seattle two days early. But they must leave right after match. Iranian players,officials criticize American treatment,frustrated by need to set base camp in Mexico while competing in U.S.
U.S. officials cite security concerns for restrictions on Iranian team,though specifics on how athletes could be threat remain unclear…
