Iran to lodge complaint with Fifa over ‘restrictions imposed’ on team at World Cup

• Iran permitted to arrive in LA just 24 hours before Belgium game

• Federation will express its ‘dissatisfaction’ over logistical issues

Iran plan to lodge a formal complaint with Fifa regarding the “restrictions imposed by the organisers” on the team at the World Cup, after being told they will only be permitted to arrive in Los Angeles 24 hours before Sunday’s crucial game against Belgium.

After Iran’s Group G opener with New Zealand, their head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, argued they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament. Iran’s captain, Mehdi Taremi, said the logistical issues meant recent weeks had been a “disaster”.

The comments stemmed from Iran being informed they had to fly to their team base in Tijuana, Mexico immediately after their draw at Los Angeles Stadium, rather than return the following day after a recovery session.