Iran and FIFA refuse to answer questions about Seattle’s World Cup vs. Egypt

SEATTLE: Before coach Amir Ghalenoei or goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand answered any questions Thursday ahead of Iran’s World Cup match with Egypt, a FIFA official spoke up.
Daniel Marin, FIFA’s executive director of public relations, read a statement in light of the teams meeting in a “Pride Match” in Seattle on Friday.
“This Islamic Republic of the Iran Football Federation has asked us to inform the media that they are only willing to answer questions in relation to the game,” Marin said. “We fully respect the right of all journalists to ask questions.

In this case, we ask you respect the rights of the federation here today to only answer questions in relation to the team, the tactics, the match, and so on.”
Nonetheless, Ghalenoei was peppered with questions about what will transpire inside Lumen Field and around the stadium on Friday.
In December, both countries asked for the themed celebrations to be canceled.
Ghalenoei said the team would focus on soccer. With a win, Iran could advance to the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time.
“I said to you earlier we are here to play football.

For nothing else,” Ghalenoei said in response to a reporter’s question in Persian. “Our entire focus is going to be on tomorrow’s game, on succeeding in tomorrow’s game. And, anything else that is banned ...

we don’t want to speak about it.
“We are only going to speak about football, what a beautiful game it is, and how enjoyable it’s going to be.”
Iran has faced numerous complications off the field. The team has endured travel restrictions imposed by the US Department of Homeland Security in light of the war in Iran.
In March, Iran sought to move its group-stage matches to Mexico, with which it has diplomatic ties. Its request to move