The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed that their FIFA World Cup team was refused authorization to travel to Seattle from Vancouver following their win over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah’s team took a major step toward clinching a spot in the Round of 32 in Canada.
The Liverpool star found the back of the net as his country beat New Zealand 3-1 in what marked a historic maiden World Cup victory for the Egyptians. After the game against the Kiwis, the team had requested permission to remain in Seattle to continue their preparation.
However, local security authorities rejected the request, forcing the seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners to head back to Spokane, Washington, their current headquarters for the tournament. In response, the Egyptian FA released a statement detailing the disruption via The Express.
- Australian soccer fans’ anti-Donald Trump chant could spark World Cup controversy
- World Cup analyst makes vile racist remarks on Serbian TV aimed at Belgium star
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, in a statement issued by the Egypt FA, said: “The security authorities refused the team’s request to stay in the city of Seattle as planned after the New Zealand match in the World Cup, and therefore the team’s delegation will return to the city of Spokane.
“The team had wanted to travel directly to Seattle to preserve the players from travel fatigue due to the numerous trips in preparation for the Iran match on June 26, but following the security stance, the Egypt national team delegation will return to Spokane.”
The approach was designed to cut out needless journeys and provide sufficient preparation time for their vital Group G game against Iran on June 27 in Seattle.
Instead, they must now return to training in Spokane before determining an alternative departure date for Washington – and they will be facing a nation intimately familiar with having their tournament thrown into chaos by transportation problems.
Iran are stationed in Tijuana, Mexico, despite all of their games taking place on American soil. Initially intending to establish their headquarters in Arizona, they moved to the Mexican border town after hostilities broke out between the Middle Eastern country and the World Cup co-hosts.
To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HERE
Consequently, they have been obliged to make the trip to Los Angeles on game days for their games against New Zealand and Belgium, before flying straight back to their headquarters following the final whistle.
Before their game against Belgium, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mulling claimed that an individual with direct connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) tried to board their flight to LA.
Iran angrily rejected the allegation as “lies”, implying it was a calculated attempt to destabilize their campaign. Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei has been particularly outspoken in his grievances, asserting his team are “the most oppressed” side in the tournament.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Iran have put in a commendable showing. Consecutive draws against New Zealand and Belgium in their first two matches have positioned them second in the group.
A win over Egypt would seal their advancement to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
About the Author
