Iran’s football federation said travel restrictions before its Group G match against Belgium undermine equal conditions for World Cup teams.
The Iranian Football Federation said it will file an official complaint with FIFA over travel restrictions imposed on the team during the World Cup.
In a statement, the federation said the restrictions were inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams.
Iran are scheduled to face Belgium in their second Group G match in Los Angeles on June 21. The team have been told they can enter the United States only 24 hours before the match and must leave on the same day after the game.
The federation said the coaching staff had planned for the squad to arrive in the host city two days before each match and return to their base the day after the game.
Iran are based in Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament and are commuting to the United States for their group-stage matches.
The same restrictions applied before Iran’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei later said the arrangements had affected the team’s preparation.
American authorities said the measures were “safety precautions” agreed with Iran. FIFA has not yet commented publicly on the complaint.
Iran opened Group G with one point after the draw against New Zealand. Belgium also have one point after drawing 1-1 with Egypt.