The United States has agreed to ease travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian national football team during the World Cup, permitting them to arrive in Seattle two days before their next match, the US Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday.
Previous Restrictions and Complaints
Iran team officials had complained that they were only allowed to arrive for matches in Los Angeles one day before kick-off and were required to leave almost immediately after the match ended. The new policy for the third match in Seattle on June 26 allows the team to enter the US two days prior to the game.
"For the Iranian team's third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match," a department spokesperson said. "The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same. We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike."
Team Movements and Performance
An Iranian team spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the squad will depart Tijuana, the Mexican city where they have been based, on Wednesday ahead of their match against Egypt on Friday. Team Melli drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their first game on June 15 and held a 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw on Sunday.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his squad for securing two draws under what he described as trying conditions. He has previously stated that Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup."
Standard FIFA Procedures and Exceptional Cases
Several teams in this World Cup have arrived in their host city the day before their match, which is standard procedure under FIFA regulations. However, the regulations allow for arrival two days in advance "in exceptional cases."
Off-Field Challenges
The buildup to the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was marked by numerous off-field setbacks for Team Melli. The war launched against Iran in February by the United States and Israel kept the team's participation in doubt until the last minute. The team initially planned to set up its base camp in Arizona but opted for Tijuana at the last minute, while the United States refused to grant visas to a dozen members of support staff.
