Iran’s players sang the national anthem ahead of their crucial World Cup match against the USA following reports of political pressure in their home country.
Iran stayed silent while the anthem was played before the opening game of the tournament against England. Following a growing backlash, the majority of the team did sing the anthem before their second match against Wales.
Pressure has ramped up back in Iran, where players’ families have reportedly been threatened with imprisonment or torture. A report from CNN alleges that Iran’s footballers were informed their families would face “violence and and torture” if they did not sing the national anthem before the USA game.
They were reportedly brought to a meeting with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before the match. The country has been rocked by nationwide protests in Iran challenging the theocratic government following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by Iran's morality police in Tehran in September.
It is amid this context that Iran’s players were shown singing the anthem before kick-off at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Before the tournament, Brentford’s Saman Ghoddos spoke to Mirror Football about the challenges his country is facing and the team’s decision to protest.
“Of course,” he said when asked about feeling a responsibility to stand up and support the protestors. “I don't want to mix politics with football but football is coming to the side right now, because people are losing their lives fighting for freedom.
“Clearly a change needs to come and it's already been going on for so long. We all want to change.
“If you think it’s the right thing to do, I think you should [speak out] because you’re a famous athlete. If you can put a light on what’s going on you should do it – with pressure or without pressure because it’s the right thing to do.”
Iran manager Carlos Queiroz has reacted angrily to journalists asking about the situation in Tehran. “To those who come to disturb the team with the issues that are not only about the football opinions, they’re not welcome because our boys, they’re just simple football boys,” Queiroz told a news conference last week.
“Let the kids play the game. Because this is what they’re looking for. They wanted to represent the country, to represent the people, as any other national team that are here. And all the national teams, there are issues at home.”
He added: “I hope … they are praising our players for the courage to be trying to play the game,” he said.
“Because it’s not right to come to this World Cup and ask them to do things that’s not their responsibility, it’s not their mission.
“They’re here to for the people to honour the people, to bring pride, to bring joy to bring happiness to the people. That’s the reason why they’re here.”
