The note was left in their dressing room following their second Group G game on Monday (AEST), with the result edging them closer to the Round of 32 stage. Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States – who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico – continue to negotiate a peace agreement. And as the Persians left SoFi Stadium, they thanked LA for its hospitality and delivered a strong message to all Americans. “From the ancient Persia of
thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI). “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and leave with dignity. “Thank you, Los Angeles for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. “May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.” The message also referenced an
attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the very first day of the war. The message comes despite the fact that the Iran team are forced to leave the US as soon as their matches end. Under the conditions of their visas, they are only permitted to fly to the US a day before the game and must leave the same day as their match. Following their opener against New Zealand, they were told to fly back
to their camp in Tijuana, Mexico and their captain, Medhi Taremi, has said the whole thing has been a disaster. “Everything is like a disaster actually, for us … still we have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning – recovery – then leave for Tijuana,” Taremi said after their opening match. “But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in the World Cup, you have to
prepare good for the next game.” It is still possible that Iran could face the USA in the Round of 32 of the World Cup if they both finish second in their respective groups. However, that is a long shot, with Team USA needing to lose by five goals in their final game against Turkey for that to occur.
Iran, FFIRI, World Cup, SoFi Stadium, Group G, Round of 32, Medhi Taremi, visas, Tijuana, Los Angeles, peace agreement, Minab school attack
So they’re leaving a “peace note” after winning… but still gotta rush out the same day?? Kinda backwards lol.
I don’t even get it, like are they trying to send love to Americans or is this PR for something else. The article mentions a girls school too like why put that in the same message.
Wait—are they not allowed to stay in LA after the match? That seems insane. Also I’m pretty sure the World Cup stuff is connected to the peace talks?? Like I saw a clip that said they can’t cross the border until negotiations are done… idk.
“May peace, respect and friendship prevail” but then they’re referencing that Minab school attack… that’s not peace that’s just tragic details. And then the captain said it was a disaster, but I thought athletes always travel right after games? This feels like politics in football clothing.