Iran have told about strict travel timelines when they play their group matches
Iran's World Cup squad has been told they have to enter and leave America on the same day when they play their matches, claims the country’s ambassador to Mexico.
Tensions between the two countries remain following the conflict in the Middle East and there have been concerns for months leading into the tournament.
And now a strict timeline has been imposed on the team ahead of their group matches, all of which are on American soil. Iran’s envoy Abolfazl Pasandideh told reporters: “We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day."
Iran's three group matches see them kick-off against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Six days later they are again in California to play Belgium before they finish off their campaign against Egypt in Seattle – with the possibility of more games if they make the knockouts.
Iran are now based in Mexico, instead of their intended site in Tucson, Arizona. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said: "We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico.
"The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight, but they are going to play three matches there. So they asked us: 'Can they stay overnight in Mexico?' And we said: 'Yes, no problem.' We have no problem."
Iran previously sought to have their matches moved to Mexico, but FIFA refused to entertain that prospect.
US president Donald Trump previously raised doubts about the team's safety once they head to America and claimed: "The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."
Two of Iran's matches will be played in Los Angeles with the other in Seattle
The US did recently issue visas for Iran’s players and some staff, but Iranian state media and diplomats reported that several of the team’s support staff have been left out, including the Iranian football federation chief Mehdi Taj.
A US state department official stated that “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued.” The official added: “We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”
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