Key facts
- Mexican authorities are investigating a body found in a car outside Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.
- Iran's national soccer team is using the stadium as its training base for the World Cup.
- The Iranian community in Tijuana is small, numbering approximately 20 people.
- The team relocated its training base from Arizona to Tijuana due to visa concerns.
- A lawsuit has been filed to allow the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag into stadiums.
- FIFA rules prohibit flags of a political, offensive, or discriminatory nature.
Mexican authorities are investigating a body found in a car outside Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where Iran's national soccer team is training for the World Cup. The discovery comes amid political complexities surrounding the team and its diaspora.
The small Iranian community in Tijuana, numbering about 20 people, reflects divisions within the diaspora. Some, like restaurant owner Saied Assadi, display the pre-revolution lion and sun flag, while others, such as Dara Makoipour, prefer to avoid such symbols and dine in California. This split mirrors broader political tensions.
The Iranian squad relocated its training base from Arizona to Tijuana due to visa concerns, with Mexico's proximity to World Cup venues in the U.S. being a factor. Despite the city's reputation, the team has reportedly received a warm welcome from supporters. However, political sensitivities persist, particularly regarding the pre-revolution flag, which FIFA rules prohibit in stadiums due to its political nature. A lawsuit has been filed to challenge these restrictions.
Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, has commented on the U.S. administration's stance on terrorism, while player Saeid Ezzatollahi expressed appreciation for the Mexican people. Support staff denied U.S. visas will remain in Tijuana.