US temporarily eases restrictions on Iranian football team
By ssetuba manshur
The Trump administration will allow the Iranian team to come into the country two days before their final World Cup group stage match against Egypt, extending their stay in the US by one more day.
However, Team Melli will still be required to leave the US after the match concludes on Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirms.
“For the Iranian team’s third match in Seattle on June 26, the team has been permitted to come into the US two days before the match,” a DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera.
The department did not explain the reasons behind the decision, which coincides with subsiding tensions between Tehran and Washington amid a ceasefire deal and diplomatic talks.
“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” the DHS spokesperson said.
“We remain committed to providing the safest tournament possible for players, staff, and fans alike
