Iran World Cup team ordered back to Tijuana after LA draw
Why it matters: Iran says visa, ticket and travel problems are disrupting recovery before group games against Belgium and Egypt.
Iran's coach and captain protested after FIFA ordered the team to leave Los Angeles immediately following Monday's 2-2 draw with New Zealand and return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran had expected to stay overnight for recovery and fly back the next day, but was told to depart right after the match. Captain Mehdi Taremi called the situation a disaster and said the team lacks support at the tournament. Iran had already shifted its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana after visa and logistics problems. BBC and The Guardian reported that some backroom staff were denied US entry visas and that Iran's ticket allocation was revoked before the tournament.