January 7, 2000, Berkeley, California
For Immediate Release
Contact: Niloofar M. Nouri,

The City of Berkeley and Oakland Welcome Iran's National Soccer Team, Declare March 20th "Persian Heritage Day".

Iran's National Soccer Team, visiting the United States for a series of friendship games received formal welcome proclamations from the City of Berkeley and the City of Oakland on Saturday, January 8th, 2000.

Representatives from the offices of Berkeley Mayor, Shirley Dean and Oakland Mayor, Jerry Brown attended a Saturday Brunch at Persian Center in Berkeley, California on Saturday, January 8, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., (located at 2029 Durant Avenue in Berkeley) and read proclamations at 12:00 p.m. Team Members and representatives from the Iranian National Team were invited to receive this unusual and high honor.

The Iranian National Team played Mexico on Sunday, January 9th at the Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, California), Ecuador on Wednesday, January 12th in Los Angeles at the Coliseum, and the USA on January 16th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Iran and US started the new Millennium with a friendly replay of the highly publicized 1998 World Cup match in which the US lost to Iran 2-1. Soccer is Iran's national pastime, and with the success of the team Internationally and in the World Cup in 1998, Iranians and Iranian-Americans, around the world (approximately 500,000 in California) have been eager to see more games between the two teams.

Mohammad Khakpour, an Iranian player plays professionally in the MLS on the New York MetroStars team and played for Iran at these games. Persian Center President, Shahin Tabrizi, stated, "We are very excited about the friendly games between the two teams and are very glad to witness a great relationship developing between the people of the two countries, devoid of politics." In what many say is the first steps toward rapprochement and normalization of relations between the two countries, Iran and the US have opened limited cultural and sports contacts over the past year.

The Persian Center is a non-profit charitable organization, dedicated to providing an environment for education, cultural celebrations, and exhibitions to promote an understanding of the Persian culture and heritage, as well as peace through education and understanding.

Niloofar Mohtasham-Nouri, Persian Center
-Photos: Bijan Sartipi

As Friday morning rolled around, soccer players randomly appeared in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel at various hours, and then disappeared. There was no sign of the buses, (normally stationed outside the back door), to transport them to their practice session--this should have been an indication that they had the morning to themselves. Although it was unclear where they were off to at first, slowly reports of "sightings" in San Francisco started pouring in. Even under difficult circumstances, our friends had managed to do some sightseeing and shopping in San Francisco.

By the time fans attempted to catch up with them in the City, most players had finished their lunch at the hotel, and were preparing for their next practice session. Two buses, carrying all 21 players, the coaches and security guards, headed towards the Oakland Coliseum at around 2:30 p.m. It was announced that the practice session would be "completely closed door" since the team would be practicing special tactics for the game. A handful of fans and reporters persisted in following the team; Persian Center photographer, Kaveh Sartipi, was the only person admitted inside the stadium, thanks in part to Emilio Pozzi, Director of the US Soccer Federation. Near the end of the practice, more visitors arrived, managed to get in, and eventually everyone was ushered out.

Back at the Marriott Hotel, there was a rush of Iranians with white envelopes in their hand, headed for a meeting room around 7:00 p.m. This "invite-only" event was planned for the soccer players on behalf of the Islamic organizations in the Bay Area. Originally a closed session, doors were finally opened to fans upon the insistence of the soccer players, with one being quoted as saying, "are they not Iranians as well?" The officials gave a speech, and handed gifts to the team members, while guests enjoyed pastries and tea. The players outfitted in "casual chic" attire (especially upon the arrival of their missing luggage) were stationed throughout the room to take pictures and sign autographs until the end of the event.

After their private dinner on the 21st floor of the hotel, some members of the team including Moussavi and Bakhtiarzadeh hosted the fans in the front lobby, while others found their way back to San Francisco. For many of us, the highlight of the evening occurred when there was an announcement near midnight, that after persistent effort, Persian Center had received clearance to host the team at their site in Berkeley. Details of this event will be part of the next update.

January 7, 2000 - Niloofar Mohtasham-Nouri, Persian Center
-Photos: Bijan Sartipi

Oakland, California - Iran's National Soccer Team began their preparation for Sunday's game against Mexico today. Despite indications of jetlag, players jogged at a park near Lake Merritt in Oakland at approximately 10:30 a.m.

While the team members took an early afternoon break, an official press conference was held on the 21st floor of the Marriott Hotel at 3:00 p.m. Members from the Iranian, Mexican, and American press participated in a "question & answer" session led by the team's head coach, Mansour Pour-Heidari. The Director of Officials of the US Soccer Federation, Esfandiar Baharmast, translated the responses while Javad Zarrincheh , Captain of the Team, and Emilio Pozzi, Director of the US Soccer Federation, occasionally pitched in.

During the Q&A session, Mr. Pour-Heidari stated that the main goal of this trip is to familiarize the team with three strong opponents, in preparation for the Asia Nations Cup and World Cup 2002. The results are not important, these are friendly matches," Pour-Heidari said. "They are useful in preparation and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the team. The important thing is to really get to know the players." Additionally, he described the US Team as a "good team" that is improving everyday- - perhaps an indication that next week's game will not be taken lightly.

The team headed for the Oakland Coliseum at 3:30 p.m. for their first official practice game. All 21 team members participated in the warm-up exercises that included forward and backward running, "one-on-one" practice, and "keep away"; two players challenged the two goalkeepers while everyone else "scrimmaged". The handful of media representatives and tens of fans watched intently, anticipating their team's preparedness for the game against Mexico on Sunday, January 9, 2000. The practice ended with more cheers, autographs, interviews, and photographs, despite continued tight security.

Back at the hotel, most team members enjoyed a private dinner buffet at 8:00 p.m., while others battled jetlag. A steady stream of fans popped in and out of the lobby all evening, in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the team members and complete their "autograph" collections on balls or t-shirts. Some of the luckier fans enjoyed the luxury of chatting with Khakpour, Mahdavi-Kia, and Fanaei over dessert; all three were very generous with their time, energy, and smiles, until they retired an hour later. The team is scheduled to continue perfecting their skills at another practice session at the Oakland Coliseum at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2000.