Donald Trump ally 'did a happy dance' to celebrate Iran's World Cup exit

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has admitted that he did a “happy dance” when Iran were knocked out of the World Cup after finishing third in Group G.

Amir Ghalenoei’s side drew all three of their group stage matches, versus New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and they finished with the ninth-best record of all third-placed teams, with only the top eight progressing to the round of 32.

Iran were on the verge of beating Egypt in their final group stage game, and securing qualification as a result, but they saw a stoppage-time goal from Shojae Khalilzadeh disallowed for offside after a VAR review, before a header from Saeid Ezatolahi cannoned off the crossbar.

As a result, their turbulent World Cup campaign ended early. Iran were forced to change their World Cup training base from Tucson in Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico after being denied the chance to stay in the USA, while they were only allowed to enter the U.S the day before their first two matches. In addition, several members of staff were denied visas and weren’t allowed to cross the border.

Mullin, a political ally of president Donald Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security, has now admitted that he is extremely happy that Iran failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

He told Sports Business Journal: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back.

“I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the U.S. soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.”

He also admitted that he was “very happy they’re going back because there wasn’t a single team that we dealt with more than them.”

Iran hit back with official statement

In response to Mullin’s comments, Iran officials said (via The Athletic): “Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of U.S. officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks.

“These remarks once again demonstrate that U.S. officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organizing a global sporting event.

“The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage.

“After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”