With six weeks until the World Cup, England's opening match against Iran has sparked calls for a boycott due to Iran's human rights record, particularly the oppression of women. Activists argue that facing Iran gives legitimacy to a regime that bans women from stadiums and violently suppresses dissent.
Sara, a key figure in the Open Stadiums group speaking under a pseudonym for safety, urged the English FA to refuse to play Iran. She cited Poland's refusal to face Russia in the play-offs, which led to UEFA banning Russia, as a precedent. 'Solidarity would mean a lot to us, it would make FIFA take action,' she said.
Iranian women face daily harassment and detention under veiling laws, as highlighted by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody. Sara fears for any compatriot attending matches in Qatar, believing regime agents will monitor behaviour and suppress protests, as they did in Russia in 2018.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been accused of ignoring calls to expel Iran. Open Stadiums wrote an open letter accusing him of 'empty words and promises.' Sara noted that the regime will receive millions for participating, funds that will not reach grassroots football.
England's group also includes Wales and the United States, adding complexity to the tournament's political dimensions. Activists hope that a boycott would pressure FIFA to act on human rights, but no such move is expected from the English FA.
