According to the Mehr News Agency, citing the Football Federation’s website, the Iraqi government, which had previously granted permission for a direct flight from Tehran to Basra, revoked this authorization just hours before the Team Melli’s scheduled departure.
Consequently, the team’s travel itinerary has been forced to change; the Iranian national football squad will now first travel from Tehran to Abadan via a chartered flight. Upon arrival in Abadan, the players will complete the remainder of the journey to Basra, Iraq, by land to prepare for two friendly matches during the November FIFA international window.
The Iraqi government is notorious for hostile acts against Iran. This follows the closure of the border at the behest of the Americans, resulting in hundreds of trailers, cars, and buses travelling to Iran being stuck for days at the border.
Additionally, due to an injury sustained by Kasra Taheri, and upon the assessment of the national team’s coaching staff, the player will not join the current training camp; instead, he will undergo medical treatment under the supervision of the medical staff at his club, Sepahan.
Team Melli is set to face Palestine in its first match on November 14 (Aban 23), followed by a match against the Iraqi national team on November 17 (Aban 26).