The Iranian team is ready to roar at the World Cup, but there is a problem that cannot be solved with a headbutt: visas.
While Mehdi Taremi and his teammates celebrate goals in friendlies, federation officials were conspicuous by their absence at the key meeting of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Vancouver. The reason? It is not clear if it was due to visa problems, but the fact is interesting: when they distributed souvenirs to the nine qualified teams, the one from Iran was left on hold, “until they arrive.”
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, did not get involved in the issue. In congress, he preferred to talk about building bridges (or soccer fields) in difficult times. But the shadow of the conflict between Iran and the United States looms over the tournament. Some have suggested moving the team’s matches to Mexico, but FIFA has stood its ground: the calendar is what it is.
“Now more than ever, we need to find ways to build those famous bridges, or perhaps build soccer fields in their place,” Infantino told AFC officials.
Iran is in Group G, with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. His debut is June 15 against the Kiwis in Inglewood, California. And although the Iranian government assures that the team is preparing for a “proud and successful participation,” the uncertainty over visas is like an early yellow card: it forces you to play carefully.
The team already has a camp planned in Tucson, Arizona. But to get there, they first have to clear customs. In sport, as in life, sometimes the toughest rival is not on the court.
