Iran claim World Cup treatment in US ‘undermined the sense of fairness’ | OneFootball

Iran has strongly criticised its treatment at the World Cup, asserting that a "series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances" undermined the "sense of fairness" during the tournament.

This condemnation comes hours after a senior American official declared he had "danced a happy dance" upon the team's elimination.

The team's participation in the finals had been uncertain for months following air strikes on Iran by the US and Israel in February.

In May, Iran relocated its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana in an effort to alleviate visa complications. However, 11 of its federation officials were still denied entry to the US for their three group matches.

Following their exit, the Iranian team left a handwritten note addressed to the people of Mexico, expressing gratitude and raising profound questions about their experience.

"You showed us that hosting a Fifa World Cup is about far more than stadiums and tickets," the note read. "True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana. From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team."

The note continued by questioning the integrity of the competition: "We leave this World Cup with pride, but also with one fundamental question: Did every team truly compete under equal conditions and equal professional standards? What we experienced was a series of decisions, logistical arrangements, and circumstances that undermined the sense of fairness—an impression only reinforced by the events of the final matchday of our group."

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin (AP)

Iran were denied an injury-time winner by a tight offside call in their final group game against Egypt, a goal that would have secured their place in the last 32.

"Perhaps one day history will judge who genuinely welcomed Iran’s presence at this World Cup, and who would have preferred our journey to end much sooner," the note added. "For us, Fair Play is not a slogan printed on advertising boards; it is the very identity of football. Yet this tournament reminded us that there is still a significant distance between inspiring words and meaningful actions."

Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary for the US Department of Homeland Security, openly expressed his satisfaction at Iran's departure.

"I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance," he stated during a security briefing.

One of Iran’s complaints during the World Cup was a stipulation from authorities that they leave immediately after each match.

Addressing this, Mullin said: "That was just an agreement we had – to just go ahead and let them go. The game was over, let them get back to the hotel, their base camp where they’re at. They’re more comfortable there. That was just an agreement we worked out with Fifa before the games started."

Mullin also claimed that "almost half" of Iran’s non-playing delegation had direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The Iranian note concluded with a defiant message: "We leave Tijuana believing that football fans around the world witnessed not only the hardship endured by Iranian football, but also the resilience of a nation that refused to trade its dignity, honour and values despite every challenge.

“And we will never forget that those who celebrated Iran’s elimination were the same people who had previously celebrated the suffering and loss of innocent Iranian lives. That alone reveals the difference in how humanity is understood. World Cups come to an end. Administrators change.

“But civilisations such as Iran, Egypt, and Mexico – built upon truth, respect, and human dignity – endure through history. Match results become part of football history. The honour of nations becomes part of human history."

Fifa has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations.