The administration of US President Donald Trump has allowed the Iranian national football team to enter the country two days before their final group-stage World Cup match against Egypt, extending their stay by one day. However, the team will still not be permitted to stay overnight in the US after the match, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Tuesday.
“For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match,” a DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera. The department did not explain the reasons behind the decision, which coincides with subsiding tensions between Tehran and Washington amid a ceasefire deal and diplomatic talks.
“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the DHS spokesperson said. “We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike.”
Iranian players and sports officials have decried the American hosts’ treatment of Team Melli, which had to set up its basecamp in Mexico while playing all three group-stage matches on the US west coast. US officials have suggested that their restrictions on the Iranian team are related to security, without providing details on how the presence of internationally renowned athletes could pose a threat.
Last week, Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as “the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.” The Iranian side has missed training sessions due to traveling the day before matches. The order to leave almost immediately after games has also affected their post-match recovery program.
Before Iran’s opening game against New Zealand in Los Angeles, Ghalenoei said the US travel guidelines are creating a challenge. “This kind of behavior will negatively impact the spirit of football. Whether we win, whether we lose, this is a difficult feeling,” he told reporters.
Many fans and rights advocates have also criticized the US treatment of the Iranian squad and the Trump administration’s broader travel policies around the World Cup. Before the tournament, the US denied entry to award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to participate.
Iran enters the Egypt match with two points from two games. A win would guarantee a spot in the round of 32; a draw may also suffice depending on other results. Egypt has four points and can guarantee finishing top of the group with a win.
Source: www.aljazeera.com