FM spox Baqaei ...
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Such circumstances are not entirely consistent with the spirit that underpins international sporting competitions and may ultimately affect the quality of participation by the teams involved. They also have the potential to create non-sporting pressures on Iran’s national team and contribute to unequal conditions in the lead-up to the tournament.
Could these circumstances create psychological pressure and lead to an uneven playing field?
The cumulative effect of these alleged measures and restrictions could influence the team’s state of mind and overall preparedness. From this perspective, such conditions may increase psychological pressure and create a degree of inequality compared with other participating teams.
If the situation continues, there is a risk that it will be perceived as creating an uneven competitive environment—an issue that warrants attention and management by the relevant authorities.
Through these actions, the United States is seeking to ensure that our national team enters the World Cup under pressure. At the same time, our players remain highly motivated to achieve success and to bring joy to the people of Iran.
What is your broader view of the national team’s situation under these circumstances?
Despite all the challenges and restrictions that have been raised, the importance of national support for sports teams becomes even more evident.
The players and coaching staff of the national team will enter the tournament under particularly sensitive circumstances. Nevertheless, they are expected to remain focused on their technical capabilities and deliver a performance that reflects their abilities.
Participation in a competition of this magnitude is not merely a sporting matter. It also carries symbolic significance and can serve as a reflection of determination, unity and collective effort.
How important is national support under these conditions?
Under circumstances such as these, national support plays a crucial role in strengthening morale and enhancing players’ motivation.
Regardless of the challenges and potential restrictions involved, emphasizing solidarity, encouragement and support for the national team can make a meaningful contribution to improving its performance in the competitions ahead.
How do you see the role of Iran’s Embassy during the national team’s stay in Mexico, and what challenges do you anticipate going forward?
During the national team’s trip to Mexico, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran provided the necessary support under his diplomatic responsibilities, helping the team overcome a number of operational obstacles and administrative challenges so that it could carry out its activities in more stable and less stressful conditions.
At the same time, there are concerns that the scope of potential obstruction may not be limited to these instances alone. As the process continues, we may witness additional challenges, including actions by tournament officials or even institutions responsible for immigration matters.
What measures can be taken to address such circumstances?
Any potential actions by the other side are considered foreseeable. There is a view that American policymakers and decision-makers may seek to use all available means to create distractions or impose non-sporting pressures to affect Iran’s national team as it prepares for the competition.
Such developments could be seen as an attempt to introduce non-sporting considerations into the competitive environment, making the start of the tournament more difficult for the Iranian team.
If such conditions emerge, the responsibility of national institutions and the broader public to strengthen unity and support the team will become even more important.
Under those circumstances, members of the coaching staff and the players themselves will be expected to remain fully aware of the situation while maintaining their focus on preparation and technical performance. They should enter the competition with even greater motivation.
Pursuing sporting objectives in such an environment may present additional challenges. Ultimately, however, the decisive factors will be the team’s resolve and the players’ technical abilities.