Iranian Football Legend Slams FIFA: "These Problems Arise from Its Weakness"

The 54-year-old former international made these remarks in an interview with AFP ahead of Iran's opening match at the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States – a nation that, until a recent peace agreement, had been in conflict with Iran since late February.

Iran is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday. Azizi believes the team has a genuine chance to advance from their group. “If we beat New Zealand, we will progress from the group, and that's not a difficult task,” the former striker stated.

Azizi was part of the Iranian squad that famously defeated the USA 2-1 at the 1998 World Cup in France. Before that match, players from both teams exchanged flowers, and Iranian captain Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh presented traditional Iranian handicrafts to the Americans.

“Since it was football, and there were political differences between the governments, a joint photo opportunity was suggested because football is a symbol of peace,” Azizi recalled.

The former international noted that he observed no inappropriate behavior during the 1998 match. He himself swapped jerseys with American player Frankie Hejduk after the game. “With this gesture, we wanted to show that football transcends politics,” he emphasized.

However, Azizi criticized the current tournament's atmosphere, which he described as “full of politics.” He also highlighted the issues faced by the Iranian delegation upon entering the USA. The team relocated its base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, after Iranian officials claimed the United States initially denied visas to 15 delegation members, including Football Federation head Mehdi Taj.

The former striker also criticized the International Football Federation (FIFA). “How is America different from Germany or France? Do you think players have any other option? These problems arise due to FIFA's weakness,” he said. Despite this, he maintains that the players are solely focused on the sporting aspect of the tournament.

Azizi also dismissed criticism from some Iranian dissidents who accuse the national team of supporting the regime. “A player plays for their country, not for political reasons,” the former international concluded.