Iranian fans expect ‘unity’ as team begins World Cup operations in US
Iranian fans spoke of peace and unity ahead of their first World Cup match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
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IRVINE, Calif. — Iran’s treatment at this World Cup is shameful, but it could get much worse.
FIFA has opened a Pandora’s box by placating the US government’s anger at Iran for forcing Team Meri to move its training camp at the eleventh hour and imposing curfew-like conditions on its first two games in the US. Future organizers of FIFA tournaments at all levels will now be free to do the same for countries they don’t like.
This includes the United States.
“Whatever we say, it has nothing to do with politics. It’s just the attitude shown towards us. We’re only speaking out because we don’t want this kind of behavior to happen to other teams in the future,” coach Amir Galenoei said ahead of Iran’s second group stage match against Belgium.
In the final match of the group stage, Algeria and Austria drew 3-3, resulting in Iran being eliminated. Team Melli had drawn all three games, but had goals canceled in their last two games, including the winning goal in stoppage time against Egypt on Friday 26 June.
It is debatable whether Iran would have won the match without the restrictions. But imagine the uproar if another organizer treated the U.S. men’s or women’s national teams like juvenile delinquents, kicking them out of training camp at the last minute, not allowing them to plan their own travel plans, and blacklisting U.S. soccer officials. That outrage would be outrageous.
But FIFA opened the door by allowing the United States to punish and humiliate Iran’s soccer team in its proxy war with the Iranian government.
“There is no denying that our situation is (not) the same as all other teams,” midfielder Saeed Ezatollah said after Iran arrived 16 hours before the second group stage match.
FIFA allows US government to play politics at World Cup
Like the International Olympic Committee, FIFA likes to claim it is apolitical. The Olympics and the World Cup help promote peace and stability, and interfering with politics would devalue and devalue their treasures.
But that’s exactly what FIFA did this World Cup.
Back in 2017, FIFA president Gianni Infantino made it clear that FIFA disdained World Cup organizers’ attempts to act as bouncers. The comment was noteworthy because President Donald Trump issued his first travel ban and the United States was competing for a spot in the World Cup with Canada and Mexico at the time.
“When it comes to FIFA competitions, teams that qualify for the World Cup need to have access to that country, including their supporters and officials. Otherwise the World Cup will not take place, that’s clear,” Infantino said.
The day before the event began, Trump and his administration had proven themselves the opposite of generous organizers by imposing tough conditions on Iran and refusing to admit fans from multiple countries.
Infantino had no problem being mean.
“We have to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can control the government and the police. We are a sports organization that will do the best we can,” Infantino said. “Sometimes it’s important to relax and unwind. We work through everything, and sometimes screaming and screaming just doesn’t help.”
FIFA leaves open the possibility of facing future problems
But abandoning principles for self-interest only ensures future problems.
Yes, FIFA got the big and highly successful tournament it wanted in the United States. So how much does it cost?
“I just hope that the world can achieve peace and that that peace can last in the world,” Galenoei said. “And I hope this kind of behavior is not institutionalized at the World Cup.”
Everyone should wish that. Because today is Iran. Tomorrow it could be another country, including the United States.
Even if FIFA wants to take back control of the tournament, a precedent has been set. All the organizers have to do is trumpet the video of Infantino raising his hands and insisting that FIFA cannot interfere with the host country’s immigration policy. Making unsubstantiated claims about terrorism and national security needs.
There is no room for debate in FIFA, not after this tournament fiasco.
“FIFA is trying their best. I know they have some problems too, but they can’t solve them. You know,” striker Mehdi Taremi said after Iran’s final group stage match. “But football has to stay away from politicians. That’s what we want. That’s the message we want to leave.”
Unfortunately, it’s already too late. FIFA’s tacit approval of the US government’s treatment of Iran paves the way for future Iranian hosts to take revenge as well, but there is no going back.
Follow USA TODAY sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
