Iran's national team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has sharply criticized travel restrictions imposed by the United States, calling them unfair after his squad's 1-1 World Cup draw with Egypt in Seattle.
The Iranian team had to commute from Mexico for all three of its group-stage matches in the U.S. due to the restrictions, which are linked to ongoing political tensions between Washington and Tehran.
"The host country treated us very unfairly," Ghalenoei stated. He argued the limited two-day arrival window before the Egypt match compromised his team's physical and mental preparation.
The coach also pointed to a disallowed goal in stoppage time, saying, "I used to think that we were really a totally oppressed team, but after these three games, I have noticed that we also have bad luck as well."
Ghalenoei urged FIFA to prevent future World Cup hosts from treating visiting teams in a similar manner. The team must now return to Mexico and await the group stage results to learn if they advance to the knockout round for the first time.