FIFA World Cup: USA end press conference after criticism from Iranian journalist over doctoring of Iran flag

Team USA cut short the FIFA World Cup pre-match press conference after facing criticism from an Iranian journalist over the doctoring of Iran’s flag.

The tension arose after the US Soccer Federation on Sunday displayed Iran’s flag without the Islamic Republic emblem. The Twitter account of the US men’s team removed the emblem from Iran’s flag in their banner. The same was done on US’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

USA defenders Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman were repeatedly asked questions about the current human rights situation in Iran, according to AP news agency. The Team’s Director of Communications Michael Kammarman then wrapped up the media briefing after a comment from Iranian journalist Shervin Taheri.

“How old were you when Iran defeated the US in the “Century Game” in 1998 World Cup? And I just want to point it out that the media officer of US national soccer team should respect international media. This is the World Cup. This is not the MLS Cup. Thank you very much,” Taheri said.

USA defender Tim Ream replied: “How old was I or where was I? I believe I would have been nine years old. Yeah, I would have been nine years old at the time, so I don’t remember much about that game or the outcome or anything to do with really that entire World Cup. I think I’ve done a few too many headers to remember a lot of things that happened last year. So yeah, I would have been nine years old. So just a very young boy.”

Walker Zimmerman, USA defender, said: “I would have been five years old and I definitely don’t remember it. I think the first memories I had of the World Cup were 2002. So you hear stories and you get to learn the history. But that was definitely, the last World Cup that I didn’t get to watch or remember.”

Following this, USA Director of Communications ended the media briefing and was seen in discussion with the Iranian journalist before leaving the media centre.

USA played out a goalless draw with England in their second Group B match. USA now need a win against Iran on November 30 to reach the last 16 stage for the fifth time since 1994.