IRAN star Mehdi Torabi’s US visa expired after last night’s clash with New Zealand.
The Middle Eastern nation have based themselves in Mexico despite their group matches all taking place in the US, due to the ongoing American-Israeli conflict with Tehran.
Mehdi Torabi, right, was an unused substitute against New Zealand Credit: Reuters
Torabi’s participation in the remainder of the tournament has been plunged into doubt Credit: Getty
had initially expected to stay in Los Angeles overnight after their , but coach Amir Ghalenoei claimed that they were “forced” to head back to Mexico at the last minute.
Prior to their opener, Iran said that 15 members of their delegation had been denied US visas.
Most of their players were handed multiple entry visas – although Torabi only received a single entry.
The winger was an unused substitute against New Zealand.
If he is to be involved against on Sunday, he will need to be awarded a new visa at short notice.
Iranian state news agency IRNA report that the country’s Football Federation are making efforts to obtain Torabi a new visa.
After last night’s match, Ghalenoei called his side “oppressed”.
The 62-year-old said: “We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us.
“To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
Ahead of yesterday’s match, skipper admitted: “This kind of tension undermines the joy of the World Cup.
“I felt the tension from the first moment we arrived. The tension started even before we got here.”
After the game, the striker added: “This is not a fair competition.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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