The Iranians had stood impassively throughout their anthem earlier than their 6-2 defeat to England on Monday in an obvious gesture of solidarity with anti-government protesters within the Islamic republic. AP
Doha: Iran ahead Mehdi Taremi on Thursday denied his staff had come “beneath strain” from their authorities after opting to not sing the nationwide anthem earlier than their first World Cup match.
The Iranians had stood impassively throughout their anthem earlier than their 6-2 defeat to England on Monday in an obvious gesture of solidarity with anti-government protesters within the Islamic republic.
Iran has been rocked by demonstrations triggered by the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested in September for an alleged breach of the nation’s strict gown guidelines for girls based mostly on Islamic sharia legislation.
“I don’t like to speak about political points however we aren’t beneath any strain,” Taremi stated at a press convention forward of Iran’s second Group B match in opposition to Wales on Friday.
“I knew that this type of query was going to be requested however no matter I say, it gained’t matter as a result of some folks will write no matter they wish to write,” he added.
“So I favor to solely discuss political points in non-public or by myself social media.”
Taremi, who scored each of Iran’s targets within the heavy defeat to England, stated: “We got here to play soccer, not simply us however all the gamers right here in Qatar.
“Myself and hundreds of individuals like me have the ability to alter issues.”
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz additionally stated he didn’t imagine sport and politics ought to combine.
“We don’t wish to combine these sort of points in a second we play soccer,” the skilled Portuguese coach stated.
“What I discover unusual, as a humble citizen of the world, is you don’t have the identical sort of inquiries to the opposite coaches of the opposite nationwide groups.
“To make them the one those that want to provide you solutions about human being issues all around the world, I don’t assume it’s honest.”
Iranian authorities on Thursday arrested a former worldwide soccer participant of Kurdish origin who has strongly supported the protests, information businesses stated.
Voria Ghafouri, an outspoken determine who appeared 28 occasions for Iran up till 2019, was detained over accusations that he unfold “propaganda” in opposition to Iran, the Fars information company reported.
UN rights chief Volker Turk stated on Thursday that round 14,000 folks, together with youngsters, had been arrested over the protests and decried the truth that a minimum of six protesters had been sentenced to demise.
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