Iran’s national soccer team left a handwritten note in their dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium after their 0-0 draw with Belgium on Sunday, thanking the city for its hospitality and mentioning “peace.”
The message, which was left after Iran played both of their first two World Cup games in Los Angeles, added that the team will leave the city “with dignity.”
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read. “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice, and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.”
The news comes three days after Iran’s football federation said it was planning to lodge a complaint with FIFA amid a dispute over the team’s travel arrangements for the Belgium match.
A Challenging Tournament
Iran have had to travel from their World Cup base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, facing restrictions before and during the tournament. The team landed in the US on Saturday night, played Sunday at midday local time, and were due to leave the country again Sunday night.
Following the match, head coach Amir Ghalenoei listed other factors he felt had made Iran’s task particularly tough, including visa complications when entering both the US and Mexico, and a lack of preparation time before the tournament began. He previously called Iran the “most oppressed team in the whole World Cup.”
The city of Los Angeles has the largest Iranian population anywhere in the United States, making the team’s presence there particularly significant for the diaspora community.
On the Pitch
Having claimed two draws from games against New Zealand and Belgium, Iran will play their final group game against Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 26, knowing that a win would see them progress to the knockout stages.
The Bottom Line
Iran’s World Cup team left a handwritten note of peace and thanks in their dressing room at Los Angeles Stadium after their 0-0 draw with Belgium. The team thanked the city for its hospitality and called for “peace, respect, and friendship among all nations.” The gesture came amid a challenging tournament for Iran, which has faced travel restrictions and visa complications.
