England and Wales, two of Iran’s Group B opponents at the World Cup, currently have no plans to publicly show solidarity with the human rights protests spreading in Iran.
This is despite England and Wales being part of a UEFA working group that expresses their commitment to human rights and whose captains will wear ‘anti-discrimination’ armbands at tournaments.
athletic announced last month that the United States, the fourth team in Group B, is seeking to join the working group. US Soccer did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this article.
Since the death of Martha Amini, who died in Iran’s “morality police” custody in September, thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets of 80 cities to demand liberalization of women’s rights and the overthrow of the regime. .
In Iran, women are required to wear hijabs, are not allowed to attend sporting events in stadiums, and cannot leave the country without permission from their husbands or guardians.
More than 253 people died in the course of the demonstration. Dissident Iranian media reports that record goalscorer Ali Daei has been arrested, and an arrest warrant has also been issued for former Bayern Munich midfielder Ali Karimi.
Members of the current Iranian men’s team have also expressed support for the protesters. Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Azmon was the first to publicly endorse their actions, while Zobeir Niknavs united and shaved his head. Most of the team also blacked out their social media profiles.
The Athletic wrote to all three of Iran’s group stage opponents asking if they would “make a gesture of solidarity” before the World War II, or if they would make any kind of public statement on the matter.
England and Wales are monitoring the situation closely but have no plans to take any concrete action at the competition at this time.
The English FA also commented: It’s obviously a concern, but the best people to comment on it are the people of Iran. ”
US Soccer did not respond to multiple requests for comment. No plans were made by the end of September.
But the protesters are seeking the help of the international community. Last week, these were repeated by UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman, who said, “The international community has a responsibility to take action to address impunity for rights violations.”
For Iranians, speaking out against the Iranian regime risks arrest, detention and imprisonment. “Sarah”, who runs the campaign group Open Stadiums, has been forced to disguise her identity for over a decade.
Open Stadium has called for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup, citing its record on women’s rights, and several other organizations have made similar calls. Exiled Iranian activist Masif Alinejad announced on Oct. 19 that a formal request had been submitted to FIFA, prompting Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergey Palkin to replace Iran with Ukraine. I asked
“It has been a month since we raised our concerns about security issues for Iranian fans and players, but there has been no response from FIFA,” Open Stadium said in a statement.
“This is a World Cup already affected by human rights violations.
“We asked the Iranian Group B opposition to show solidarity with the Iranian people being killed for their freedom.
“I am disappointed that no one has done this. Iran needs the support of the international community, especially at the World Cup, when the eyes of the world will be on Iran’s national team.
“In this difficult time for the Iranian people who love football and are being killed in the streets, I call on my colleagues in the group to speak out against the atrocities of the Iranian regime. At this time, football brings joy and honor to the country. I don’t have the power to bring
“We don’t need to condemn. We need prevention.”
Iran’s first group games will be against England on 21 November, Wales on 25 November and USMNT on 29 November.
Deeper
“Why should Iranian men be free to play in the World Cup when women can’t count?”
(Photo: Getty Images)
