Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has launched a blistering attack on FIFA, describing the ongoing World Cup as a “disaster” after his country’s qualification hopes were thrown into uncertainty following a third consecutive draw in the group stage.
The outspoken striker accused football’s governing body of failing to address serious logistical and administrative challenges facing the Iranian team, insisting that the competition has been marred by disorganization and unequal treatment.
“This is a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” Taremi said after Iran’s latest draw left the team dependent on other results to determine whether they would progress to the Round of 32.
The Iranian captain revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had visited the team’s dressing room after their opening match against New Zealand and assured the players that their concerns would be resolved. According to Taremi, those promises have remained unfulfilled as the group stage draws to a close.
Taremi specifically lamented the absence of the team’s logistics and recovery personnel, claiming that visa complications prevented several support staff from joining the squad during the tournament.
“Our logistics people are not here because they don’t have visas. We have no recovery staff to help us. As professional players in a professional competition, this is simply not right,” he said.
The forward also criticized the repeated travel arrangements imposed on the Iranian team, which he said forced players to continually return to Tijuana after matches, creating additional physical and mental strain.
While expressing appreciation for the people of Tijuana and Mexico, Taremi maintained that the travel schedule placed his side at a competitive disadvantage and raised serious questions about fairness and player welfare.
“It is not fair. We have to fight against everything here. If FIFA believes this is fair, then that is their decision, but from our perspective it is not. We keep complaining about these issues, but nobody helps us,” the Iranian skipper said, adding to growing criticism surrounding the tournament’s organization.
