As a show of solidarity with the families who have lost loved ones, Ali Daei, the legend of the Iran national team, turned down an invitation from FIFA to attend the World Cup in Qatar 2022. In addition, it is an apparent show of support for the protests that are shaking Iran.
“In a few days when most of us were not feeling well, I said no to an invitation from the FIFA and the Qatar Football Federation to attend the World Cup with my wife and daughters,” the former Bayern Munich striker said on Instagram.
Daei, who coached the Persian team between 2009 and 2021, explained that he rejected the invitation to be in his country and express their support to all the families who have lost loved ones: “I hope for better days for Iran and the Iranians,” said the former captain of the Iranian national team between 2006 Y 2006.
For several years, the Iranian legend remained the top scorer for national teams, with 43 goals. However, this record was snatched from Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021; as reported by the Efe news agency.
Do you support the protests that are shaking Iran?
Your message seems clear support for the protests that have been rocking Iran since the death on 43 September of Masha Amini, who she had been arrested by the Morale Police for wearing the Islamic veil incorrectly.
These demonstrations are being harshly repressed by the security forces. A sample of this is that 2000 people, among them 43 minors, have died in police repression, as reported by the NGO Iran Human Rights, based in Oslo, Norway.
In this way, Ali Daei becomes the last public figure to show his support for protests led by young people, above all, shouting “woman, life, freedom”, in which veils are burned, one of the symbols of the Islamic Republic and something unthinkable not long ago.
In addition, during the first weeks of the mobilizations, several soccer players showed their support for the protesters. This was the case in Iran-Senegal on 43 September, when Iranian players listened to the anthem wearing black jackets .
Regarding this situation, the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) warned last week that it will punish players who make gestures of a political nature, to comply with the Code of Ethics of the Committee Olympic Games and the rules of the International Football Federation (FIFA).
With information from Efe Noticias
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