Iran football team leaves heartfelt note in US locker room after WC game: ‘May peace prevail’

History shows that sports have always been a casualty of war. The ongoing FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico has seen a repetition, and it is the Iranian national football team which has found itself at the receiving end, thanks to the conflict in West Asia. However, despite all the challenges that they have faced, the Iranian footballers have not given up hope.

Iran thanks Los Angeles, appeals for peace

On Sunday (June 21), Team Melli, as the Iranian football team is nicknamed, left a handwritten note in its locker room in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, in which it thanked the city for its hospitality and said it was leaving “with dignity”.

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The Iranians left the note after the conclusion of their twin fixtures in the American city, which included games against New Zealand and Belgium, both of which were drawn. Iran, who have two points from as many games are placed second in the group (G), will take on Egypt in the final outing in Lumen Field in Seattle, US, on June 26.

The message, which Iran’s football federation revealed after the Iran-Belgium clash on Sunday, reflected both the Asian side’s pride and the challenges it has faced so far in the tournament. It also carried a message for peace.

“From ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read.

“Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality.

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour and leave with dignity.”

The Iranian team also paid tribute to the team’s supporters through the note for backing it during the two games at SoFi Stadium.

“Thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes,” the note read.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

Remembering Minab victims

The note also featured hashtags #168 and #Minab, referring to the bombings in a school in the city of Minab in southern Iran after the US and Israel started striking Iran on February 28. The incident, which saw deaths of 168 people, primarily schoolgirls, remained one of the lowest points of the war.

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When the Iranian footballers reached Tijuana in Mexico, the team’s base camp in this World Cup, they carried a badge on their suits bearing the number 168, in memory of the victims of the attacks in Minab.

The Iran team has been making to and fro movements from its base in Mexico to the US for its matches after its base camp was relocated to Tijuana from Tucson in Arizona, US.

Iran staff denied entry in US; diaspora protest

Several administrative staff members and technical advisors of the team have been denied visas to enter the US for the World Cup. The players even faced protests from several members of the Iranian diaspora who have accused them of being puppets of the regime in Tehran.

Also read: Iran opens politically charged World Cup with 2-2 draw against New Zealand

Ace Iranian player Mehdi Taremi and team coach Amir Ghalenoei have expressed concerns over their experience of participating in the World Cup. The latter has slammed the restrictions repeatedly and even called Iran the “most oppressed team in the whole World Cup” after the draw with Belgium. He praised the players for their performance amid unfavourable conditions.

Iran could make the knock-out rounds of the tournament for the first time if they can manage to beat Egypt, who are conveniently placed at the top of the group after hammering New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday.