Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed his team are being forced to leave Los Angeles immediately after their World Cup opener, insisting the situation is creating unnecessary stress ahead of their next match.
The Olympiacos forward spoke out after Iran's entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand, revealing the squad had been instructed to depart shortly after the final whistle rather than remain in the city as originally expected.
Taremi suggested the travel arrangements were disrupting the team's preparations and called on FIFA to provide greater support.
"Everything is like a disaster actually for us," Taremi said.
"We still have some problems because we are supposed to be training tomorrow morning, recovery, then leave for Tijuana.
"But we have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it's not good for us.
"It's not good for football because in a World Cup you have to prepare good for the next game."
The Iran skipper claimed the sudden travel requirement was placing additional pressure on players and staff during the tournament.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has claimed his team are being forced to leave Los Angeles immediately after their World Cup opener, insisting the situation is creating unnecessary stress ahead of their next match
|GETTY
"Because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone," he continued.
"But we don't have that support and I think FIFA have to help us more than this."
Iran twice came from behind to earn a valuable point against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, with the result keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages firmly alive.
However, Taremi's focus after the match quickly turned to events away from the pitch.
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Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSThe 33-year-old revealed FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room after the game and indicated that discussions had taken place regarding the team's situation.
Asked what was said, Taremi replied: "He just wants to help us.
"It's the beginning of the World Cup now, and he will help us."
The striker was also asked whether he had a message for US President Donald Trump but declined to become involved in political debate.
"I'm here to play football, my friend," he said.
"We are tired to talk about these issues.
"If they help us, we are much appreciated about that.
"If no one helps us, it doesn't matter.
Iran and New Zealand played out a thrilling draw in their World Cup match | GETTY"We just stay back to back, behind each other and we try our best to win both the next games."
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei backed up his captain's comments and admitted he was puzzled by the travel plans.
According to the head coach, the squad had expected to remain in Los Angeles overnight before returning to their training base the following day.
"We were supposed to stay tonight and return tomorrow lunchtime," Ghalenoei said. "I have no idea why and they haven't told us."
He added that the situation had left members of the squad struggling to understand the decision.
Despite the off-field frustrations, Iran can take encouragement from their performance against New Zealand.
They showed impressive resilience to recover from a goal down on two occasions and claim a point in their opening Group G fixture.
Iran now face Belgium before taking on Egypt in their final group-stage match, with qualification for the knockout rounds still very much within reach.