A World Cup star’s tournament hopes have been thrown into doubt after his visa reportedly expired following just one match.
Iran winger Mehdi Torabi was allegedly issued a single-entry US visa rather than the multiple-entry visas granted to his team-mates.
The problem emerged after Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup fixture.
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The match took place today (16 June) at the Los Angeles Stadium, with the 31-year-old remaining an unused substitute, as reported by Need To Know.
State news agency IRNA reported that Torabi’s visa expired following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the game.
The Iranian Football Federation is said to be working to secure a new visa so the winger can continue travelling with the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
IRNA did not say whether Torabi had successfully left the United States.
However, the agency reported that all members of the Iranian delegation were on board the flight from the US to Mexico after the match.
Neither US authorities nor tournament organisers immediately commented on the situation.
The latest issue comes amid a series of reported visa problems affecting Iran’s delegation during heightened tensions between the US and Iran.
Iran has based itself in Mexico due to security concerns and is travelling in and out of the United States for its group-stage matches.
Iranian officials previously claimed that around 15 members of the delegation had been denied US visas.
IRNA also reported that Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and a member of the coaching staff encountered difficulties at Los Angeles airport following the draw with New Zealand.
Iran face Belgium in their second Group G fixture on Sunday in Los Angeles.
They are then scheduled to take on Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
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