The Ukrainian Football Association asks FIFA to exclude Iran from the World Cup.
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. .
U.S. intelligence also alleges that Iran supplied the Russian military with missiles and drones during its invasion of Ukraine.
The accusations were highlighted by Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin, who called for Iran to be banned from the World Cup last week.
These calls are now being repeated by the Executive Committee of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF). The agency announced on Monday: If Iran is likely to be involved in Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, it will ask FIFA to consider excluding the Iranian national team from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. ”
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.
Open Stadiums, a movement to change the rules for women participating in sporting events, launched a campaign to demand Iran’s exclusion from the World Cup on Sept. 30, while exiled Iranian activist Masih Alinejad I have submitted a formal request to FIFA today.
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.
athletic reported on Monday that England and Wales currently have no plans to show solidarity with Iranian protesters at the World Cup.
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)
