Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team are simply at the World Cup to 'represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora' Credit: Patrick T. FALLON / AFP

Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his team’s preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not “pay attention to any of the hype.”

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.