Iran Given Extended Time In US Before Final Group Match Against Egypt

MIAMI, June 24 (NNN-PA Media/dpa) -- Iran have been granted an extended stay in the United States (US) ahead of their final group match against Egypt on Friday, having previously complained about their treatment by the American authorities, reported PA Media/dpa.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei was heavily critical after the team’s opening match against New Zealand, saying they had been told they could only come to Los Angeles 24 hours before the match from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico and had to leave straight afterwards.

Ghalenoei said his team were the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.

However, they have now been granted some leeway, with a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirming:

“For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match.

“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same. We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”

The Iranian football federation rejected what they called a “baseless” allegation from DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin that a member of its staff was barred from boarding a plane to the US before their second game against Belgium because they had “direct ties” to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Eleven officials were denied visas to the US and had to remain in Mexico while the team played its matches.

The team’s participation in the tournament was in doubt after the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in February, but it has made it to the competition and remains well placed to reach the last 32 after draws in its opening two matches.

The Iranian team left a handwritten note thanking fans in Los Angeles for their support during those matches, and expressing the hope that peace would prevail.

--NNN-PA MEDIA/dpa