Iran's Taremi and assistant coach delayed at US airport, Iran says

Iran's football federation (FFIRI) announced on Wednesday that star forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei were delayed by US host officials as the team departed Mexico to travel to Seattle for their final group-stage World Cup match against Egypt.

According to a statement, officials “caused problems” for the duo, holding up the delegation's departure. The federation did not specify the reason for the delay or whether Taremi and Alhoei were questioned, but confirmed that both joined the delegation after 25 minutes and then departed for Seattle together.

Iran's squad and support staff have been based in Tijuana, Mexico, during the World Cup, as the US-Israeli war on their country has complicated travel. The delegation has made two previous trips to the US, arriving a day before each match and leaving soon after the final whistle. Both earlier games were held in Los Angeles, California, with the third scheduled in Seattle, Washington.

The incident comes a day after US authorities claimed to have eased travel restrictions on Iran's delegation, allowing them to travel to Seattle two days before the game but still requiring immediate departure afterward.

Iranian players and officials have criticized the treatment of Team Melli by American hosts, noting the team had to set up its base camp in Mexico while playing all group matches on the US West Coast. US officials have suggested the restrictions are for security reasons, without further elaboration.