Iran's football federation has reported that star forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were delayed by US host officials as the team departed Mexico for their final group-stage World Cup match in Seattle.

The FFIRI statement said officials “caused problems” for the duo, delaying their delegation's departure. No specific reasons were given, but both were released after 25 minutes and joined the team.

The Iranian squad is based in Tijuana, Mexico, amid the US-Israeli war on their country. They have traveled to the US twice, arriving a day before matches and leaving immediately after.

The incident follows US claims of easing travel restrictions, though the delegation must still leave right after the game. Iranian players have criticized the treatment by American hosts, who cite security concerns without providing details.

Source: www.aljazeera.com