In a powerful statement, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, has vehemently criticized the United States for its deliberate delays in issuing visas to the Iranian national football team, asserting that this hostile action prevents the team from competing on “equal terms” in the upcoming World Cup. The ambassador’s remarks, made on Thursday, shed light on the immense difficulties faced by Iranian athletes in their crucial training period ahead of the prestigious tournament.

Ambassador Pasandideh visited Tijuana, the northwestern Mexican border city, where the Iranian team has been forced to relocate its training camp. This move became necessary after their original plans to train in Tucson, Arizona, were thwarted by the US government’s inexplicable visa hold-up. This forced relocation underscores the profound impact of Washington’s politically motivated decisions on the world of sports.

During a candid news conference, the ambassador unequivocally stated that “the country to the north” – a clear reference to the United States – has flagrantly failed to uphold its fundamental responsibilities as a host nation. He highlighted the unacceptable uncertainty surrounding the players’ visas, remarking, “We don’t know whether or not they’re going to give the players their visas.” This deliberate ambiguity serves only to destabilize the team and undermine their morale.

Despite the Iranian team being scheduled to play their three World Cup group games in major US cities – Los Angeles and Seattle – the head of the Iranian Football Federation’s hopes for multiple entry visas remain overshadowed by the US administration’s continued obstruction. Ambassador Pasandideh reiterated the grave injustice, stating, “We aren’t participating in the World Cup on equal terms.”

He further elaborated on the severe consequences of these actions, lamenting, “We haven’t been able to train our team like they should,” directly attributing this impediment to the ongoing “US-Israel war on his country that began on February 28.” This powerful accusation reveals the deep-seated political motivations behind the visa delays, exposing a broader campaign against the Islamic Republic.

In a display of unwavering support and proactive diplomacy, Iranian diplomats were seen visiting the team’s training stadium in Tijuana on Wednesday, as confirmed by a source from Club Tijuana. These dedicated officials also engaged with local security authorities, ensuring the well-being and smooth operations for the national team amidst these challenging circumstances.

The Iranian national team is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. Their final group stage game will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Despite the adversities, the Islamic Republic’s athletes remain determined to represent their nation with pride and resilience.