The Football Federation of Iran has announced plans to submit an official complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions imposed on the national team during the World Cup, arguing that the measures compromise fair conditions for competing nations.
The federation said the limitations placed on the squad’s movements before matches in the United States do not align with the principle of ensuring equal treatment for all teams participating in the tournament.
The issue has emerged ahead of Iran’s second Group G fixture against Belgium, which is scheduled to be played in Los Angeles on 21 June.
According to the federation, the team has been informed that it may enter the United States only 24 hours before kick-off and must leave on the same day immediately after the match.
Iranian officials believe the restrictions have disrupted the team’s preparations and prevented the coaching staff from implementing their preferred plans for the tournament.
In a statement, the federation said it would formally raise the matter with FIFA, maintaining that the current arrangements place the team at a disadvantage compared with other nations competing at the World Cup.
The coaching staff had originally intended for the squad to travel to each host city two days before a match and return to their tournament base the day after the fixture. However, those plans have not been possible under the current travel requirements.
Iran are using Tijuana in Mexico as their base camp during the competition and have been travelling into the United States for their group-stage matches.
The same restrictions were in place for Iran’s opening Group G encounter against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
That match ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving Iran with a point from their first outing of the tournament.
Following the game, head coach Amir Ghalenoei indicated that the travel arrangements had affected the team’s preparations.
The latest complaint comes as Iran continue their campaign in what remains a tightly contested group.
Belgium, their next opponents, also enter the match with one point after drawing 1-1 with Egypt in their opening fixture.
With all four teams having avoided defeat in their first matches, the outcome of the upcoming contest in Los Angeles could prove significant in the battle for qualification to the knockout stages.
Iran’s federation believes the issue extends beyond logistical inconvenience and concerns the integrity of competition at the tournament.
Officials argue that all teams should have access to comparable preparation conditions, regardless of their location or circumstances.
American authorities have defended the measures, describing them as “safety precautions” that were agreed with Iran.
The restrictions have therefore become a matter of debate off the pitch as the World Cup progresses.
At present, FIFA has not publicly responded to the federation’s planned complaint.
Attention will now focus on whether world football’s governing body addresses the concerns raised by Iran and whether any changes are made before the team’s remaining group-stage fixtures.
For Iran, however, the immediate priority remains their meeting with Belgium, a match that could have a major impact on the standings in Group G as both sides seek their first victory of the tournament after opening with draws.
