Iranian Football Figures Urge FIFA to Condemn Regime Crackdown
Iranian football figures urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to condemn the violent crackdown on January 2026 protests, citing mass killings and death sentences for athletes.
Iranian Football Figures Call on FIFA to Condemn Regime Crackdown
A prominent group of Iranian footballers, coaches, referees, and sports journalists has issued an open letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the heads of over 200 member associations. The signatories demand an unequivocal condemnation of the violent suppression of anti-regime protests that shook Iran in January 2026.
The letter, endorsed by 20 notable figures from the country's football community, accuses the authorities of orchestrating mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and systematic intimidation of demonstrators and athletes. The document was prominently shared on Instagram by Ali Karimi, one of the most legendary players in Iranian football history with 127 national team appearances. Former international Bakhtiyar Rahmani was also among the signatories.
Scale of Violence and Casualties in Iran
The authors describe the January protests as a peaceful civic movement advocating for fundamental human rights and basic freedoms. According to the letter, the state responded with lethal and organized violence. The signatories cited unverified estimates ranging from over 18,000 to more than 36,000 deaths over a two-day period on January 8 and 9, noting that severe internet blackouts have heavily hindered independent verification.
The letter highlights several members of the football community allegedly killed during the crackdown, including former top-tier player Mojtaba Tarshiz, women's assistant referee Saba Rashtian, youth coach Mehdi Lebasani, players Amirhossein Mohammadzadeh and Ribin Moradi, and beach soccer goalkeeper Mohammad Hajipour.
Urgent Appeals for Imprisoned Athletes
"Football, as the world's most influential social phenomenon, cannot remain silent in the face of killings, executions, and threats against athletes," the letter stated, urging FIFA to intervene and protect Iranian sports figures.
Particular concern was raised for Amirhassan Ghaderzadeh, a 19-year-old player for Sepahan Isfahan, who reportedly faces execution for participating in the demonstrations. His case has also drawn condemnation from Amnesty International and the United States Department of State.
