The US and Iran exchanged statements over the World Cup

• The Iranian team finished the tournament after a draw with Egypt and lost its chance to reach the playoffs on goal difference.
• Marc Veyne Mallin said he was glad about the national team’s elimination and the revocation of its visas.
• The Iranian federation complained about the conditions in the United States and called the American official’s statements biased.

US Secretary of Homeland Security Marc Veyne Mallin said he was “very pleased” with Iran’s elimination from the World Cup. He said this during a security briefing at the tournament and added that the US government had been betrayed when Iranian representatives had their visas revoked.

Iran ended its group-stage campaign after a draw with Egypt, when a late goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review. The team finished third in the group and did not advance on goal difference.

The Iranian federation had previously complained about the conditions at the tournament. Head coach Amir Galenoei called his team “the most oppressed” at the World Cup.

According to reports, the national team’s preparations were complicated by decisions regarding logistics and visas. The team moved its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, and played its matches in the United States under the requirement to leave the country immediately after the games. Mallin explained that this had been agreed with FIFA before the start of the tournament.

In response, the Iranian federation called his words biased and unfounded. It also said such comments show the attitude of American officials toward international sporting competitions.

Tags: USA/Sport/Football