Team Melli defeated Lebanon 2-1 away in Sidon in the final minutes of the game to complete the first half of the final qualifying round of the World Cup with 13 points and without defeat,

Immediately after the match, the players published a joint statement on social media, highlighting the problems and shortcomings the squad is facing, including the poor quality of the national team kit, non-payment of bonuses, and the Football Federation’s failure to address the team’s difficulties in Lebanon. The statement targeted the officials of FFIRI  and the country’s Sports Ministry for criticism and referred to Team Melli conditions as not worthy of the name of Iran and a team that is top in Asia.

Team Melli will meet Syria in the first return match in five days (Tuesday, November 16). The text of the players’ message is as follows:

“We, the national team players, with all our intensity and zeal, and with the support of the honorable people of Iran, reached the top of the table in these rounds without defeat. It is necessary to inform the people and the fans about the poor conditions, the hardship, and the problems that the national team is facing, which are not up to a respectable standard and way below our expectations and the reputation of our country. In terms of logistics and support, it is not even close to the standard of a club team. We have been wearing old jerseys for over a year and we have to wear them again every time after washing.

During this trip to Lebanon, we encountered many problems, including the training facilities, but there was no proper protest from the federation officials. Contrary to promises and obligations, the national team players have not yet received their bonuses after several months have passed. Since our qualification to the next round in Bahrain, there has been no contact or follow-up from the country’s sports officials. Our victories have become routine for them and instead of supporting the squad more, they have completely forgotten us. This situation is not at all suitable for a team that is at the top of the Asian rankings and is preparing for the World Cup.”