Iran to lodge complaint over travel restrictions

Iran to lodge complaint over travel restrictionsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup Published2 minutes agoIran are to lodge an official complaint to Fifa about the travel restrictions they are facing at the 2026 World Cup.Iran are allowed to fly into the United States, who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico, a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as a match under the conditions of their visas.This led to head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the "most oppressed" team at the tournament following a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles in their opening game.In a statement, the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) said the travel restrictions they face are "inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams' preparation processes".It added: "Consequently, the federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with Fifa through the appropriate channels."Political tension has undermined World Cup joy, says Iran strikerPublished4 days agoIran's involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the game against New Zealand as tensions continue.Multiple "integral" members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to "uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations" after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament."The Iranian national football team agreed to these terms," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC when asked for a response to Ghalenoei's comments.Iran, who switched their bas...