Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, commended the national soccer team for their performance in the FIFA World Cup, despite their elimination. He also pointed out controversial video review decisions that affected the tournament’s results.
In a detailed statement to POLITICO, Pasandideh emphasized that Iran faced not only its competitors but also challenges such as “fatigue, injustice, and hardships” that were largely hidden from public view. He criticized what he referred to as “pseudo-VAR” interventions.
“Perhaps some balls fell just centimeters short of bringing joy to millions of Iranians — centimeters that were not even measured by the linesman’s flag, yet were magnified by ‘pseudo-VAR’ interventions,” Pasandideh remarked. “However, nothing could ever diminish the magnitude of your determination.”
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pasandideh portrayed the team’s World Cup journey with strong patriotic sentiment, likening the players to legendary Persian figures such as Arash and Rostam. He stated that “true championship lies in loyalty to the flag.”
Addressing the players as the “brave sons of Iran,” Pasandideh applauded their willingness to sacrifice “the last drop of life for Iran” and expressed confidence that the national team would come back “stronger, more experienced, and more brilliant” in future international events.
