Iran Football Federation alleges US officials delayed delegation at Mexican airport

The Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) has formally accused United States host officials of causing administrative difficulties that delayed the national team’s departure from Mexico. In a statement released on Wednesday, the federation confirmed that star forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held up by US authorities at an airport in Mexico while travelling to Seattle for the team’s final group-stage World Cup match against Egypt.

According to the FFIRI, the incident occurred as the delegation prepared for its third trip to the United States. The federation stated that host officials “disturbed” the two individuals, resulting in a 25-minute delay to the convoy’s departure. While the statement did not elaborate on the specific nature of the problems caused by the officials, it confirmed that Taremi and Alhoei eventually rejoined the main group and departed for Seattle with the rest of the team.

The incident highlights the ongoing logistical and political complexities surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. The squad and support staff have been required to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, for the duration of the competition, a decision linked to broader geopolitical tensions related to the US-Israeli war. This arrangement means the team must travel across international borders for all three of its group-stage fixtures, which are being played on the US West Coast.

Prior to this latest development, US authorities had claimed to have eased some travel restrictions, allowing the delegation to enter the United States two days prior to the Seattle match. However, the team remains subject to strict conditions, including the requirement to depart the country immediately after the final whistle. Iranian players and sports officials have previously expressed concern over the treatment of Team Melli, noting that security justifications provided by US officials have lacked specific detail regarding how internationally renowned athletes could pose a threat.

The Iran Football Federation’s statement comes amid continued scrutiny of the host nation’s security protocols. While US authorities have cited security concerns as the rationale for the team’s restricted movements and base location in Mexico, they have not provided specific evidence linking the athletes to any security risk. The federation’s assertion that host officials caused deliberate problems suggests a growing friction between the Iranian delegation and the administrative bodies managing the tournament in the United States.