In a shocking development, Iranian authorities have been accused of deliberately targeting football players, including members of the national team that qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals, with some facing imminent risk of execution. Urgent demands are now being made for FIFA to intervene immediately and apply pressure to stop further bloodshed.
Players at Immediate Risk in Iranian Prisons
Particular concern surrounds two footballers currently detained in Iranian jails, both of whom are under threat of the death penalty. Amir Ghaderzadeh, a 19-year-old striker for top-flight club Sepahan Isfahan, and Mohammed Hossein Hosseini, a 26-year-old former Persepolis player banned after participating in protests, have become symbols of a generation of athletes falling victim to Iran's brutal regime.
Unprecedented Brutality Against Young Athletes
Zohreh Abdollahkhani, a university research fellow in sports and social sustainability based at the University of South-Eastern Norway, told the Mirror: "They are at imminent risk of execution. It is nothing new that the Islamic Republic is killing Iranian football players but the numbers, the level of brutality and their age group has been unprecedented. We are talking about 19-year-old kids."
Abdollahkhani has strongly urged FIFA to take action, stating: "Several of our prominent football figures have written to FIFA about the case, but no reply - nothing from FIFPro either. These organisations have to say something about the cases. Their whole legitimacy rests on being the voice of the athletes at risk."
FIFA's Responsibility and Accountability Questioned
The researcher emphasized FIFA's responsibility in the matter, arguing: "FIFA have a responsibility. You cannot act like nothing is happening in your football community in Iran. They are accountable. FIFA are going against their own statutes. Even the lowest possible commitment that FIFA have claimed is not met by FIFA itself."
Growing List of Football Casualties
The targeting of football personnel extends beyond current players. In January, Rebin Moradi, a 17-year-old youth player for Saipa FC, was shot dead in Tehran. Other casualties include:
- Saba Rashtian, a women's football assistant referee
- Mohammad Hajipour, goalkeeper for Iran's beach soccer team
Omid Ravankhah, manager of Iran's U-23 team, had his passport revoked upon entering Iran after his team refused to sing the national anthem at the recent U-23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Former Internationals Speak Out Against Repression
Some former Iran internationals, led by Ali Karimi - former Asian Player of the Year and Bayern Munich star - have publicly condemned the repression. In a letter addressed to FIFA, they wrote: "Football, as the most influential social phenomenon in the world, cannot and must not remain silent in the face of executions, killings, arbitrary arrests, and threats against athletes."
Background of Widespread Protests
Anti-government protests erupted in Iran at the end of last year, with some estimates suggesting up to 30,000 people were killed. While Iranian authorities admit to 3,117 deaths, outside agencies fear the actual death toll could be ten times higher.
The demonstrations began with Tehran shopkeepers protesting massive inflation increases but quickly spread nationwide, prompting the government to order a complete internet blackout. FIFA has been approached for comment regarding the situation involving Iranian football players.
