Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the strict limitations place on the team by the U.S. government during the World Cup “shows we are an oppressed country.” Ghalenoei said that the team arrived in L.A. “less than 18 hours before its game against Belgium” on Sunday, a “shorter time even than before the first game.” Ghalenoei said that he has “been told Iran can travel to its final group-stage game earlier.” Without saying it specifically, it was “clear Ghalenoei was blaming the U.S. government for his team’s troubles.” He praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying that FIFA had “done its ‘utmost’ to help ease the restrictions on Iran.” Ghaleonei: “FIFA is trying its best, so I thank them for that. I just wish they had succeeded” (USA TODAY, 6/20).
Iran coach calls team ‘oppressed’ by U.S. limitations during World Cup
