Iran Says U.S. Airport Checks Delayed Team Before Egypt Match

U.S. authorities delayed Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and the assistant coach’s flight before the squad travelled to Seattle to face Egypt.

Iran’s football federation said that U.S. airport procedures delayed the national team’s travel to Seattle before their final Group G match against Egypt at the FIFA World Cup.

The federation said captain Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were held up by what it described as interference by U.S. authorities, forcing the rest of the squad to wait before departure.

In a statement titled “Harassment of Taremi and Alhoei at the Airport Again; Iran National Team Delayed,” the federation said the incident happened as the team prepared to travel to face Egypt.

“The rest of the squad is currently waiting for their coach and teammate to join them before departing for Seattle for the match against Egypt,” the federation said.

The White House World Cup task force rejected the claim that Iran’s travel had been disrupted. A spokesperson said everything related to the Iranian flight was “on time” and that the team arrived “a few minutes ahead of schedule.”

The incident came after the U.S. eased earlier restrictions on Iran’s World Cup delegation. The Department of Homeland Security previously said that Iran would be allowed to enter the United States two days before the match, rather than one day before, as in their previous group games.

Team Melli have been based in Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament and have travelled to the United States for matches.

The Pharaohs currently lead Group G with four points before the final round. Iran and Belgium have two points each, while New Zealand have one. Iran need to beat Egypt to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage.

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