Iran team will not be able to stay in the USA between World Cup matches

Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said on Saturday (6) that players from Iran's World Cup squad may have to travel by plane to the United States and return to the country on the same day as their matches.

Teams usually arrive in a city at least one day before the match. Iran, which moved its training center from Arizona to Mexico, will play twice in Los Angeles and once in Seattle in the group stage.

"According to their visa, apparently they can go in the morning and come back in the afternoon," Pasandideh said.

The ambassador also stated that Tehran was concerned about the United States' refusal to grant visas to some members of Iran's technical committee and official delegation to the World Cup.

At a press conference in Tijuana, Pasandideh said long trips, extra flights, coordination problems and lost time could affect the team's performance.

Pasandideh said Iran demonstrated, through sport and the World Cup, that it sought peace, while also addressing what he described as aggression against his country.

The issue arose as teams and officials prepared for World Cup activities in North America, where travel logistics and entry requirements are part of tournament organization.

FIFA said the Iranian team should be asked about the details of the trip when approached for comment.

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Source: CNN