After playing their first two World Cup matches in Los Angeles, Iran's national team left a handwritten note in their SoFi Stadium dressing room thanking the city for its hospitality and calling for peace. The Football Federation of Iran released the message, which quickly went viral as a gesture of sportsmanship amid a politically fraught tournament for the team.
"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." It closed with thanks to Iranian fans and the line, "May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
The gesture came against a tense backdrop. Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, commuting across the border for matches because of US travel restrictions, with several staff and officials denied visas, conditions coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly protested. On the pitch, the team held firm, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand and 0-0 with Belgium to stay unbeaten in Group G. They now head to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26, where a win would likely send them into the knockout stages.
Sources: ESPN, The Globe and Mail, The National.
After playing their first two World Cup matches in Los Angeles, Iran's national team left a handwritten note in their SoFi Stadium dressing room thanking the city for its hospitality and calling for peace. The Football Federation of Iran released the message, which quickly went viral as a gesture of sportsmanship amid a politically fraught tournament for the team.
"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." It closed with thanks to Iranian fans and the line, "May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations."
The gesture came against a tense backdrop. Iran has been based in Tijuana, Mexico, commuting across the border for matches because of US travel restrictions, with several staff and officials denied visas, conditions coach Amir Ghalenoei has repeatedly protested. On the pitch, the team held firm, drawing 2-2 with New Zealand and 0-0 with Belgium to stay unbeaten in Group G. They now head to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26, where a win would likely send them into the knockout stages.
Sources: ESPN, The Globe and Mail, The National.
