White House considering changing travel restrictions for Iran at World Cup

The White House is considering relaxing the stringent travel restrictions imposed on Iran's national football team.

Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House's World Cup task force, confirmed that talks are underway regarding arrangements for Iran's third group stage fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

Under current restrictions, the Iranian squad may only enter US territory 24 hours before each match and must depart on the same day the game takes place.

The team has established its tournament base in Mexico, one of the three co-host nations alongside the United States and Canada.

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Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as the "most oppressed" team at the competition after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Giuliani indicated that the restricted travel arrangements were reasonable for Iran's opening two fixtures in Los Angeles, given the short 30-minute flight from their Mexican base.

However, the journey to Seattle could take up to three hours, prompting the ongoing discussions about potential adjustments.

Speaking to KOMO TV News in Seattle, Giuliani said: "I know that the President wants to be able to really balance the competitive balance on the field while making sure we're not compromising our national security."

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He added: "We want to make sure the Iranian team has the opportunity to come in and compete.

"What we have done for the Iranian team has been spectacular and credit to President Trump on this."

Giuliani noted that President Trump signed an executive order permitting the Iranian squad to participate in the tournament.

The Football Federation of Iran has stated that its squad should be permitted to reach each host city 48 hours prior to every fixture and return to their base camp the following day, "in order to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation".

The federation told the BBC: "The Football Federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams' preparation processes."

Iranian officials have indicated they will formally register their dissatisfaction and submit an official complaint to Fifa through the appropriate channels.

Iran's next game comes against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday at 8pm.

Iran opened up their tournament in one of the best games of the World Cup so far, drawing 2-2 against New Zealand.

New Zealand took the lead through Elijah Just in the opening seven minutes of the game, but were answered back through Iran's Ramin Rezaeian.

Just scored his second of the match, not long after the interval, to put New Zealand back in front.

Ten minutes later, Mohammad Mohebi equalised as the two sides shared the points.

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