Ancelotti Slams U.S. Over Iran Issue, Says 'FIFA Knew It All Along'

Appearing at the pre-match press conference ahead of the crucial knockout clash against Japan, Brazil’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti was seen in his characteristic and typical element.

On Monday (29 June), a journalist asked him during the press conference whether he was planning to motivate his players by labeling the match as a "do-or-die battle." In response to this conventional question, Ancelotti took a turn that left everyone completely taken aback.

Dragging geopolitical and global realities into the discussion, he stated that players could not compete under such conditions. Expressing his sheer frustration, Ancelotti said that he was extremely annoyed with the United States and FIFA. He added that they knew very well what the United States was going to do with Iran regarding political tensions, and therefore, they should not have scheduled three matches in the United States. He emphasized that everything could have been changed.

Amidst the ongoing debates throughout the tournament regarding the geographical and political complexities of the US venues beyond the footballing battles, Ancelotti's remarks have seemingly added fuel to the fire.