Mehdi Taremi cut a frustrated figure during Iran 's pre-match press conference ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand , as questions quickly shifted away from football and towards off-field issues.
With a major tournament game fast approaching, there was little focus on the match itself. Instead, conversation centred on topics away from the pitch, including the wider circumstances surrounding Iran's involvement in the tournament.
At one point, Taremi decided to address the situation directly, stepping in to remind reporters that Iran were preparing to take on New Zealand in their opening fixture.
Photo by Matt McNulty – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Iran arrived at the World Cup against a backdrop of heightened tensions involving the United States and developments in the Middle East.
Those issues dominated much of the discussion when Taremi spoke to the media before the New Zealand game. Eventually, the striker appeared to have had enough.
"Well, since no one asked a football question, we are playing against a good team from New Zealand. I hope it's a very good game. Sorry, it was just political. You have to go to another city for this political press conference."
The comment came after multiple questions focused on matters away from the pitch rather than Iran's opening World Cup fixture.
While Iran were preparing to face New Zealand, football was not the dominant topic during the media session.
Taremi's response brought the conversation back to the upcoming match.
Taremi also addressed the role of the national team during the same media appearance.
"As players of the national team, we play for every single Iranian, whether in the diaspora or in Iran. In every country people have different opinions. We are here to unite people and bring joy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We don't get involved in politics."
The comments came as Iran prepared for their opening World Cup match against New Zealand.
Taremi had earlier remarked that no football questions had been asked before he referenced the upcoming game.
His response included a brief assessment of New Zealand, describing them as a good team and expressing hope that it would be a good match.
Iran's participation in the tournament has attracted attention beyond football because of the wider geopolitical situation involving the country.
Taremi's remarks on football and politics came during the same media appearance in which he noted that no football questions had initially been asked.
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