The Iranian football federation has announced plans to lodge an official protest with FIFA over US travel restrictions that have hindered the national team's preparation for their upcoming World Cup match against Belgium.
The team had to leave Los Angeles within three hours after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand due to US travel restrictions, forcing them to travel to their training base in Mexico.
Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the team was being forced to go back early and that the US was making the situation more difficult.
The Iranian players had to cancel their recovery sessions and were expected to stay the night in Los Angeles, but were informed that they needed to fly back to Mexico the same night.
The team received their visa only 10 days before the FIFA World Cup, following talks between FIFA and the US government, and had to arrive a day prior to their opener against New Zealand.
