Key facts
- Iran's national football team faces unchanged US travel restrictions for the World Cup.
- The Iranian football federation plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA.
- Players are permitted entry into the US only one day before matches and must depart immediately after.
- Iran's request for an earlier arrival in Los Angeles was denied.
- US officials stated Iran was informed in advance about the entry policy.
- Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup Task Force, indicated openness to renegotiating Iran's entry terms.
Iran's national football team is facing continued US travel restrictions for the World Cup, despite a framework deal between the two nations. The Iranian football federation plans to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA, arguing that these restrictions are unfair and negatively impact the team's preparation.
According to the federation, Iran's team is only permitted to enter the US one day before matches and must depart immediately afterward. Their request to arrive in Los Angeles two days before a game was denied. Team coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that Iran were the "most oppressed" team in the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup Task Force, told The Telegraph that he would be open to renegotiating the terms of Iran's entry to the United States, adding that Washington could consider allowing Iran to stay longer around their matches. He emphasized that the president wants to ensure competitive balance while preventing "bad actors" from entering the country.
Coach Ghalenoei said the disruption had affected his team in their draw against New Zealand. The federation stated that under their plan, the national team needed to travel to the host city two days before each match to achieve optimal technical and physical condition, and then return to their base the day after the match, but this request was not approved for the opening match.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the measures were safety precautions agreed with Iran, who face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and conclude their Group G fixtures against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. A department spokesperson stated the team would be allowed to come in "match day minus one" and asked to leave the evening of the match, emphasizing safety and security.