The football was once again forced to play the role of sidekick as Iran returned to action against Belgium in their second World Cup game in Group G this weekend.
Iran have been the topic of much debate at the tournament.
Team Melli were previously told that they would need to leave America as soon as their opening game against New Zealand concluded due to ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei hit out at FIFA, claiming that his side are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament when speaking to reporters after the 2-2 draw against the Kiwis.
“After the game today they said to us: ‘You have to leave immediately.’ Whereas it’s very important for us to have recovery. We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.
“They are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also addressed the team inside their dressing room following their opening game, telling them: “You showed to your families, friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you perform and you have two more games to go. In these two games you will make again everyone in the world proud of what you do. Thank you for being here.”
The FIFA chief’s words have done nothing to end the controversy, however. This time, it was against Belgium that the headlines were dominated by incidents outside of the 0-0 draw, as Iran were seen breaking a FIFA rule.
Iran break FIFA rule ahead of Belgium game
For all of Infantino’s words of encouragement, he has already clashed with Team Melli over one rule.
It’s been revealed that the Iran brought their pre-revolutionary flags into the home of the LA Chargers for the match against The Red Devils, despite the FIFA president banning them from doing so to prevent unwanted provocation.
Iran’s national anthem also signalled boos around SoFi Stadium both from American fans and Iran’s own, who do not support the Islamic Republic anthem.
After drawing with Belgium, Iran sit second in their group and will qualify for the knockout stage by matching the Red Devils’ result in their final group game against Egypt, while Belgium play New Zealand.
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