The World Cup has ignited debates among Iranian Americans in California, with some supporting their national team and others boycotting the tournament due to the Iranian government’s involvement in the sport.

Local Iranian Americans Weigh In

Nader Adeli, captain of the Arya Football Club, an all-Iranian team in Moorpark, California, holds up a jersey with the Iranian flag’s colors, but without the Islamic emblem, to avoid controversy.

Ramin Ghashghaei, a defender on the team, plans to boycott the tournament, citing the Iranian government’s control over the sport and the team’s selection process.

Omeed Askary, an Iranian American attorney in New York, draws a parallel with the US team, saying he wants American athletes to do well, but that doesn’t mean he supports the US government’s policies.

Logistical Challenges for Team Iran

The Iranian team has faced logistical challenges, including visa delays and travel restrictions, which have made it difficult for them to participate in the tournament.

The team was originally supposed to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but instead landed at Tijuana International Airport and set up camp just south of the US border.

Every group-stage match will involve a border crossing into the US, with players only entering the country one day before the first match and two days before each of the next matches.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.