Iran coach urges FIFA to challenge US hosts after Egypt draw

Iran drew 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle and remain in contention for a first World Cup knockout-stage place, depending on other results. After the match, Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said FIFA president Gianni Infantino should push back against what he described as unfair treatment by the US hosts.

The frustration was not only about the scoreline. Iran had a late Shoja Khalilzadeh effort ruled out for offside and Saeid Ezatolah struck the bar, but Ghalenoei focused much of his post-match criticism on travel, recovery and access issues that he said had affected his squad throughout the tournament.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi also criticised FIFA’s handling of the situation, saying senior Iranian officials had been unable to enter the United States. The source reports these as comments from Iran’s camp; the logistical and visa-related claims would benefit from independent confirmation before being treated as settled fact.

Egypt, meanwhile, will monitor Mohamed Salah after he asked to come off before the hour mark. Head coach Hossam Hassan said Salah felt something but indicated the issue was not thought to be serious ahead of Egypt’s last-32 match against Australia.