Iran captain Mehdi Taremi accuses FIFA of staging ‘disaster World Cup’: ‘No one helps us’
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticized FIFA and president Gianni Infantino for poor logistical arrangements during Iran’s World Cup campaign, calling the situation a “disaster.”
- Due to political tensions and military conflict between the US and Iran, the team was forced to base themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, causing travel and visa difficulties that hindered their preparation and recovery.
- Taremi expressed frustration that FIFA has not resolved these issues despite Infantino’s earlier promises, highlighting the lack of support staff and unfair conditions faced by the Iranian squad.
- Iran’s World Cup progression depends on other match results after finishing third in Group G, with a 92% chance of advancing as one of the best third-place teams according to live predictions.
- The political backdrop includes ongoing US-Iran tensions following military strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, impacting the team’s logistics and participation in the tournament.
