Iran's national football team left a handwritten message in their dressing room at the World Cup in Los Angeles, referencing the victims of a US missile strike. The note, discovered after their 0-0 draw with Belgium on Sunday, highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Iranian squad and the tournament's hosts, the United States.
Message References Missile Strike Victims
The note included the phrases “#168” and “#Minab,” referring to the number of people killed in a US missile strike on a school in Minab during the early stages of the US-led war with Iran. Most of the victims were children. The players had previously worn #168 pin badges earlier in June when they arrived for the World Cup.
The full message read: “From the ancient Persia thousand of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. 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.”
Campaign Marred by Tension with US
Iran's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by disputes with US authorities. The team claims they have been forced to leave US soil after matches and return to their training camp in Mexico, rather than staying at hotels near the stadiums. Despite these challenges, they remain in contention to qualify for the knockout stages after draws with New Zealand and Belgium.
Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, said on Saturday that the team felt “robbed” due to their treatment at the tournament. He added that he had been forced to cut training sessions in half because of the travel chaos they have faced.
Further Allegations and Responses
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin alleged that someone possibly pretending to be Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, with “direct ties” to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, attempted to board a plane to Los Angeles with the team hours before kick-off on Sunday, but was stopped. Iran's football association responded by accusing the US of peddling “lies” and attempting to sabotage their World Cup campaign.
Iran's anthem has also faced boos and jeers during their first two matches. However, captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh declined to comment on that issue following the draw with Belgium. “We take both. I think there are good days, bad days for every team, and also, like I said, we play for all the Iranians in Iran, outside Iran, with whatever ideology, whatever preferences they have, and we make sure to make them happy, because I'm sure at the end of the day, they love Team Melli from the heart, and we respect them all,” Jahanbakhsh said.
He added: “And I think the most important thing we can do as a team is to perform well, to make sure we put our heart on the pitch, and to do everything to make them happy. And for the rest, I think that's something we have to respect people, whatever idea they have, and like I said, the best thing we can do is to play football, and hopefully we can do it in the best way possible.”
