IRAN captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed the team are being FORCED to leave the US just minutes after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side produced an impressive display in their tournament opener as they twice battled back from a goal down.
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Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed the squad are being forced to leave the US Credit: EPA
Iran stars have been told to fly back to their camp in Tijuana after drawing with New Zealand Credit: Reuters
But forward Taremi has hit out at how the squad are being treated after being told to fly back to their camp in Tijuana.
He urged Fifa to give Iran players more support amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino entered the Iran dressing room after the game and Taremi said the squad are dealing with “a lot of stress”.
Taremi said after the game: “Everything is like a disaster actually for us… still we have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning – recovery – then leave for Tijuana.
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“But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game.
“Because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone. But we don’t have that support and I think FIFA have to help us more than this.”
When asked what Infantino said to the players, Taremi replied: “He just wants to help us. It’s the beginning of the World Cup now, and he will help us.”
Taremi was then asked if he had a message for President Donald Trump and said: “I’m here to play football, my friend. We are tired to talk about [issues].
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“And if they help us, we are much appreciated about that… if no one helps us, it doesn’t matter.
“We just stay back to back, behind each other and we try our best to win both the next games.”
More to follow.
