Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has accused FIFA of abandoning his team during a turbulent World Cup campaign, claiming the governing body failed to honor promises of support while suggesting tournament organizers would rather see Iran eliminated.
Taremi Renews Criticism After Heartbreaking Draw
Iran’s hopes of making history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time remain uncertain following a dramatic 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle.
The match ended in controversy after Iran had a stoppage-time winner disallowed following a lengthy VAR review.
The emotional result left the team facing an anxious wait to discover whether they will progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides.
Following the match, Taremi delivered another scathing assessment of the tournament, repeating his earlier description of the competition as a “disaster.”
FIFA Accused of Failing to Deliver Support
Speaking to reporters, the Iranian captain expressed frustration over what he believes has been a lack of assistance from FIFA throughout the tournament.
Taremi argued that professional players deserve fair treatment in a competition of this magnitude and questioned why no authority had stepped in to resolve the difficulties affecting his squad.
According to the striker, FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally assured the team after their opening match against New Zealand that the problems would be addressed.
However, Taremi insisted those promises never materialized.
He claimed that despite the assurances, nothing changed for the Iranian delegation.
Political Tensions Continue to Shadow Iran’s Campaign
Iran’s participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by complications away from the pitch.
Following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier in the year, roughly a dozen members of Iran’s World Cup delegation were reportedly denied entry visas to the United States.
The visa issues also forced the team to establish its training base across the border in Mexico, requiring repeated travel throughout the tournament instead of remaining close to match venues.
Those logistical challenges have become a recurring source of frustration for the players.
Captain Suggests Organizers Want Iran Eliminated
During a tense press conference in Seattle, Taremi was asked directly whether he believed FIFA and American authorities would prefer Iran to exit the competition.
Rather than dismissing the suggestion, the captain admitted that from his team’s perspective, events had created that impression.
He explained that Iran feels it has had to battle obstacles beyond football itself, adding that the squad’s experiences have shaped that belief.
VAR Drama Crushes Iran’s Celebration
Iran appeared to have secured a famous victory when defender Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net deep into stoppage time against Egypt.
Celebrations were cut short after officials conducted an extended VAR review before ruling the goal out.
The disappointment only grew moments later when midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi came agonizingly close to finding a winner, only to see his header strike the crossbar.
Instead of sealing qualification, Iran was left with a draw and lingering uncertainty.
Qualification Still Possible Despite Setback
The result confirmed Belgium and Egypt as the automatic qualifiers from Group G.
Iran remains in contention to advance as one of the eight highest-ranked third-place finishers, but their fate now depends on results elsewhere in the tournament.
Despite the disappointment, Taremi insisted the players have not given up hope.
A Message of Peace Amid Frustration
The captain said the team continues to play with the goal of bringing happiness to supporters back home.
He stressed that Iran’s players want to send a message of peace to people both inside and outside the country, as well as to the wider football community.
However, Taremi lamented that while his team is attempting to promote unity, they do not feel they have received the same spirit in return.
He also expressed frustration that, after the match in Seattle, the squad would once again have to return to its temporary base in Tijuana rather than remain closer to the tournament venues.
