Iran Coach Speaks on Sudden Departure from Los Angeles

Inglewood, California – After a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday night, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that he was instructed to leave Los Angeles immediately, though the reasons for this order were not disclosed, nor did he reveal who made the call.

The team had initially planned to remain in California to recuperate before heading back to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, the following day. Ghalenoei expressed concern about the abrupt change. “After today’s game, we weren’t given a chance to recover,” he stated in Persian, using a FIFA translator. “We were just told to leave right away. Recovery is quite crucial for us right now, but here I am, being asked to get on a plane back to Tijuana.”

Iran’s journey to the World Cup has been marked with challenges, lingering uncertainties due to geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Israel. Originally, the team’s base was set for Arizona, but it was shifted to Tijuana. Interestingly, only a few players, like captain Mehdi Taremi, secured visas for entry into the U.S., while several support staff and journalists did not.

In a mixed zone interview following the match, Taremi and teammate Mohamad Mohebi mentioned that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had promised some form of support, but the details remained vague.

Ghalenoei mentioned the team’s precarious situation: “I believe we’re possibly the most oppressed team at this World Cup. We lack support from our federation. Many in our media and management aren’t even here. Previously, we had some coaching staff who helped with substitutions, but now it’s all on us.”

He also suggested that the players, including Taremi, who received a red card in the 80th minute, may have been affected by their challenging travel conditions. “This early departure, which gives us no time to recover, adds more obstacles,” he said. “But we’re determined to rise above it and perform our best.”