Most of Iran’s national soccer team players did sing the national anthem in the lead-up to the second match at the World Cup in Qatar, after their silence in the first match was interpreted as a veiled endorsement of the protests sparked after the death of young Mahsa Amini.
The national soccer team had traditionally been a unifying force for Iranians, but in recent weeks it has been embroiled in all sorts of controversy. It has been criticized for its players’ alleged gestures both for and against the regime.
On November 14, she posed with the president, Ebrahim Raisi, which was understood as an alignment towards the government at a time when thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the death of Amini, arrested for improperly wearing the veil, and to demand social progress.
On Monday, however, the players avoided singing the anthem, which was interpreted as a gesture of criticism. Iranian state television, in fact, interrupted the broadcast to avoid showing it, given that even the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly warned all athletes «not to disrespect» the country.
On Thursday, Iranian security forces arrested soccer player Voria Ghafouri in Iran for insulting the national team and promoting messages contrary to the interests of the Islamic Republic, Fars news agency reported.
In the stands and on the streets of Qatar, slogans in favor of women and freedom in Iran could also be seen. According to ‘The Guardian’, booing was heard on Friday when the Iranian anthem was played in the stadium.
