Iran captain Taremi slams FIFA for ‘catastrophe’ World Cup as nation waits on qualification

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised FIFA and described points of the World Cup as a “catastrophe” after his facet’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage have been left hanging within the stability.

Iran have been denied a dramatic late winner of their closing Group G match towards Egypt on Friday, with Shojae Khalilzadeh’s stoppage-time effort dominated out for offside following a VAR assessment.

The goalless draw leaves Iran ready to find whether or not they are going to progress as one of many event’s greatest third-placed groups. They presently sit sixth in that rating, with the highest eight advancing to the final 32.

Iran additionally struck the crossbar late on as they pushed for a decisive purpose, however Egypt held on to safe second place and a knockout tie towards Australia.

Taremi fumes at FIFA

Talking after the match in Seattle, Taremi expressed frustration over the journey preparations imposed on the Iranian squad all through the event.

Attributable to visa restrictions, Iran have been primarily based within the Mexican metropolis of Tijuana and have been required to journey again there after matches performed in the USA.

“We’ve to beg. We’ve spoken about these points for the reason that starting,” Taremi mentioned.

“It’s a catastrophe. These issues ought to have been solved earlier than the event began.

“Mr Infantino got here into our dressing room earlier than the primary recreation and informed us it was solely the start, however the group stage is already completed and nothing has modified.

“We don’t have all of our employees right here as a result of a few of them couldn’t get visas. We hold travelling again to Tijuana after matches. We love the folks there they usually’ve been very welcoming, however that is speculated to be knowledgeable competitors.

“After a recreation like this, we needs to be recovering. As an alternative, we’re travelling once more. In our opinion, that’s not truthful.”

‘Infantino can do extra to assist’

Taremi additionally referred to as on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to do extra to assist Iran in the event that they qualify for the knockout rounds.

Iran are provisionally set to face Switzerland in Vancouver ought to they advance.

“We at all times give all the pieces for our folks,” Taremi added.

“We wish to make them blissful and ship a message of peace to everybody in Iran and world wide.

“However there isn’t a peace for us on this scenario. Somebody has to resolve these issues. Whether or not it’s FIFA or another person, I don’t know.

“I consider Infantino can do extra to assist.”

In the meantime, Egypt secured second place in Group G and can face Australia within the final 32.

Group winners Belgium booked their place within the knockout stage after a 5-1 win over New Zealand and are presently set to fulfill South Korea within the subsequent spherical.