Mehdi Taremi, an Iranian forward for Inter Milan, may not be allowed to travel to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 since Iran’s airspace is closed because of its continuous aerial fire war with Israel.
Taremi was supposed to join his team in Los Angeles as they prepare for the tournament after being selected in Inter’s squad for the 32-team competition. However, media reports in Italy and the US stated on Saturday that the striker is probably going to miss Tuesday’s opening game and possibly the entire competition.
The Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport said on Saturday that the Iranian attacker would not be joining the Nerazzurri for either the opening game or the others.
In order to console the player and attempt [to find] a solution that is presently unattainable, Inter has been in close communication with the Iranian authorities in Italy throughout the past 24 hours. The player is secure and protected from the bombings in Tehran,” the article continued.
Taremi is not expected to play in the Italian team’s opening match of the season against Monterrey FC of Mexico at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Los Angeles, on Tuesday.
Iran defeated North Korea in their AFC World Cup qualifying match on June 10 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, and the 32-year-old skipper was one of the goal scorers. He took home the first-ever Iranian Toopa Award the following day.
The forward’s departure for the United States was delayed when Israel launched its attacks on Iran on Friday morning, resulting in the prolonged shutdown of its airspace. It is unknown when the forward was supposed to depart Tehran.
Later the same day, Iran retaliated to the attacks, and since then, the two nations have been engaged in a firefight.
Taremi has three goals since signing a three-year contract with Inter Milan in July 2024.
Along with the Japanese team Urawa Red Diamonds and the Argentinean club River Plate, Milan and their opening-game opponents Monterrey are assigned to Group E for the Club World Cup.
Source: Aljazeera and other media outlets
