Iran football federation files protest with FIFA over U.S. travel restrictions

The Football Federation of Iran has officially protested to FIFA regarding travel constraints imposed by U.S. authorities on their national team during the World Cup. The Iranian team, which is based in Mexico, claims that U.S. officials require them to enter the country within 24 hours of a match and depart on the same day. Iran requested to arrive in Los Angeles two days before their upcoming match against Belgium on June 21 to allow for adequate acclimatization and rest, but this request was denied. Coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that these restrictions negatively affected the team's performance during their recent 2-2 draw with New Zealand. The federation argues that such policies violate the principle of equal conditions for all participating nations. Iran is scheduled to play its final group match against Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Neither FIFA nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a formal response to the complaint as of yet.