The Iranian Football Federation Responded to Statements Regarding the National Team's Elimination from the World Cup
The Iranian Football Federation reacted sharply to remarks by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mallin, who publicly stated that he was glad the Iranian national team had been eliminated from the World Cup.
Markway Mallin said he was “glad” that the Iranian national team had left the tournament, adding that he had repeatedly expressed satisfaction with the team’s situation.
“I’m glad they were eliminated and won’t be coming back. I was happy when we were able to revoke their visas… and I may have sung a couple of songs or even danced for joy,” the media quoted him as saying.
He also noted that he was “glad to see Iran return to its own country,” adding that the team had allegedly often been embroiled in political and organizational difficulties.
In response, the Iranian Football Federation stated that such remarks “speak first and foremost to the official himself.”
“The fact that an official openly rejoices at the Iranian national team’s elimination says much more about him than it does about our team. This demonstrates a petty mindset…,” the statement reads.
The federation also emphasized that such statements only reinforce the perception of a “negative attitude toward Iran’s participation in the tournament.”
The Iranian national team finished the group stage in third place in Group G, earning 3 points in 3 matches, and did not advance to the knockout stage.
This was reported by the Iranian Football Federation.
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