FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly made a promise to Iran’s players after their opening World Cup match against New Zealand.
Iran began their tournament with a 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, but attention soon shifted to ongoing issues affecting the squad off the pitch.
According to Mehdi Taremi and Mohammad Mohebbi, Infantino visited the dressing room after the match and pledged to help address some of the problems the team is facing during the competition.
Gianni Infantino reportedly visited Iran’s dressing room after World Cup opener
Iran’s players and staff have raised concerns about travel arrangements and visa-related issues that have affected members of the delegation.
Speaking after the draw with New Zealand, both Taremi and Mohebbi revealed that Infantino had personally visited the dressing room.
The pair said the FIFA president promised to help the team as it continues its World Cup campaign.
The reported intervention came after a series of complaints from the Iranian camp regarding logistical challenges during the tournament.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also expressed frustration after the match, while Taremi described the situation surrounding the team as “a disaster”.
Infantino had previously spoken about helping Iran reach the World Cup
Infantino’s involvement with Iran’s World Cup journey is not new. The country’s participation was placed in doubt earlier this year following the United States-Israeli strikes on Iran.
During his opening World Cup speech in Mexico City last week, the FIFA president addressed that uncertainty and reaffirmed his support for Iran’s place in the tournament.
“I’m very happy because I went to see myself the Iranian team in Turkey in March and people were saying it would be impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup – I promised them that they would come and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran and drive them I would do that.”
The comment highlighted FIFA’s determination to ensure Iran could compete at the World Cup.
Now, according to Taremi and Mohebbi, that public support has been followed by a private promise to help the team as the tournament progresses.
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