On August 2, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) issued a statement accusing US security personnel of 'causing trouble' for star striker Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei as the team left Mexico to fly to Seattle, USA, for their final World Cup group stage match against Egypt.
According to FFIRI, the incident occurred during the third time the Iranian delegation traveled to the US. Host officials detained Saeed Alhoei and Mehdi Taremi, delaying the delegation's departure by 25 minutes. FFIRI did not specify why the two were held back, nor did it say whether they were interrogated. However, the federation confirmed that both rejoined the group after that period and flew together to Seattle.
The Iranian national team and coaching staff had previously been based in Tijuana, Mexico. They had flown into the US twice before, each time arriving just a day before the match and leaving immediately after the final whistle. Both previous matches took place in Los Angeles (California); the third match was also held in Seattle, Washington, on the US West Coast.
The incident occurred a day after US authorities announced they were easing travel restrictions for the Iranian delegation, allowing them to come to Seattle two days before the match but still requiring them to leave immediately afterward. Iranian players and sports officials have repeatedly criticized the host nation's treatment of 'Team Melli,' which was forced to base itself in Mexico despite playing all three group-stage matches on US soil.
The US side has previously explained that the restrictions on the Iranian team were for security reasons, but has not provided details on what threat internationally renowned athletes could pose to anyone.
