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U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin admitted to doing a "happy dance" following Iran's elimination from the World Cup, while also defending the treatment the nation received during
this summer's competition.
Iran was unable to advance past the group stage after facing strict limitations imposed by the U.S., including being barred from staying in the country throughout the tournament and being required to depart immediately following each match.
Iran lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, claiming the team was being unjustly punished due to the ongoing military tensions between the two nations.
"I'm just glad they're gone and won't be returning," Mullin told a World Cup briefing at the government's Special Event Coordination Center. "I was thrilled when we were able to revoke their visas and told them to leave U.S. soil, and I might've hummed a tune or two, maybe even done a little happy dance."
"No other team gave us more trouble than they did," Mullin added.
Iranian Federation Fire Back at Mullin
The restrictions limiting Iran's time on U.S. soil—the squad was only permitted to arrive the day before games and was required to leave immediately after the final whistle—were the central source of frustration for the Iranian camp.
Forward Mehdi Taremi questioned FIFA's failure to step in, pointing to the competitive disadvantages caused by the restrictions following a formal complaint from the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI). He also implied that certain parties involved in the World Cup had no desire to see Iran progress beyond the group stage.
In response to Mullin's remarks, the FFIRI issued a statement to The Athletic: "Iranians are accustomed to the mistreatment and dishonesty of U.S. officials, so no one in Iran is shocked by these hostile comments.
"These remarks once again prove that U.S. officials have no regard for international law or the standards expected of a host nation entrusted with organizing a global sporting event. The fact that he openly rejoices over Iran's elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate a football team simply competing on the world's grandest stage.
"Following our match against New Zealand, our head coach stated that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament, given the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team endured. These latest comments only serve to reinforce that belief."