A prominent United States government official has said he is “so happy” that Iran are out of the World Cup.
Iran’s participation in the finals was uncertain in the months leading up to the tournament after the US and Israel launched air strikes on the country in February.
But Iran did take part and came close to qualifying for the last 32 after drawing all three group games, and were denied victory against Egypt in their final game by a marginal offside call.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
The Iranian federation made multiple complaints over their treatment at the hands of the US authorities during their time at the competition, with their coach Amir Ghalenoei saying his team were the “most oppressed” at the World Cup.
Now US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has admitted during a World Cup security briefing: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back.
“I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.”
Iran’s World Cup exit has been cheered by a top US government official. Credit: AAP
Iran moved their training base to the Mexican border city of Tijuana in May, having originally been due to be based in Tucson, Arizona. All three of their matches were played in the US – with the first two in Los Angeles and the last one in Seattle.
One of Iran’s complaints during the World Cup was the stipulation from the authorities that they leave the US immediately after each match.
Asked about that, Mullin said: “That was just an agreement we had – to just go ahead and let them go.
“The game was over, let them get back to the hotel, their base camp where they’re at. They’re more comfortable there. That was just an agreement we worked out with FIFA before the games started.”
Mullin said “almost half” of Iran’s non-playing delegation had direct ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Iranian football federation and FIFA have been contacted for comment.
Conspiracy theories fly after wild finish to World Cup game
4 min read
Late drama as ‘little toe’ decides Socceroos’ knockout opponent
3 min read
