Iran national football team captain Mehdi Taremi has sharply criticised FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, over what he described as unequal treatment of his team during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, calling the competition ‘a disaster World Cup’.
Speaking to reporters after Iran’s 0-0 draw with Egypt in their third group-stage match on June 27, Taremi expressed frustration over logistical and travel challenges that he said had affected the team’s preparations throughout the tournament. “It’s a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” Taremi said, adding that FIFA had failed to address the problems the Iranian squad has faced since the tournament began on June 11.
The striker revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had visited the Iranian dressing room after the team’s opening match and assured players that their concerns would be addressed. “Mr. Infantino came to our changing room after the first game and he said, ‘It’s just the beginning’…
According to the Iranian captain, several members of the team’s support staff were unable to join the squad because they were denied visas, while other participating teams were accompanied by their full technical and logistical personnel.
The Iranian squad has repeatedly stated during the tournament that travel restrictions and visa-related issues have complicated its participation, prompting renewed criticism of FIFA’s handling of logistical arrangements for the team.