FIFPRO has condemned the sentencing of an Iranian player to death over protest about the turmoil and unrest in Iran recently.
The possibility of Iranian player Amir Nasr-Azadani receiving a death sentence in connection with protests that have rocked the nation for three months startled and sickened FIFPRO, the world union of professional footballers.
According to Abdullah Jafari, the head of Isfahan’s judiciary, who was cited on Sunday by Iran’s ISNA news agency, Nasr-Azadani was detained in the city of Isfahan two days after reportedly taking part in a “armed riot” on September 16 in which three security agents were killed.
The 26-year-old was charged with “rebellion, membership in criminal gangs, cooperation to undermine security, and hence assisting in moharabeh,” or “emnity against God,” a deadly offense in the Islamic republic, according to Jafari.
“FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country,” the union wrote on its Twitter page this week.
“We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.”
The alarm was raised following a widespread uproar over Iran’s recent execution of two young men detained in connection with protests.
Nasr-Azadani, who represented Iran at the Under-16 level, started his football career with the Tehran club Rah-Ahan, with whom he competed in Iran’s top division for the first time.
The defender, who is currently with FC Iranjavan Bushehr, temporarily played for Tractor SC under former Wales coach John Toshack.
The protester and former Iranian international Ali Karimi tweeted in support of the footballer, adding, “Do not execute Amir.”
In their opening match against England, the Iranian national team, which was competing in the World Cup in Qatar, mounted its own protest by declining to perform the national anthem.
However, they turned around to sing it before games against Wales and the USA.
The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd who was detained by morality police on suspicion of breaking the Islamic Republic’s strict clothing code for women, on September 16 has provoked demonstrations in Iran.
Amnesty International reports that 11 people have been verified to have received death sentences as a result of the protests, and at least nine others, including Nasr-Azadani, are at least at risk of receiving death sentences.
Iran refers to the demonstrations as “riots” and claims that its adversaries outside supported them.
Voria Ghafouri, a well-known former international star, was detained in Iran last month after supporting the demonstrations and denouncing the crackdown, but he was later released on bail.
What Is FIFPRO?
The global organization that represents 65,000 professional footballers is called FIFPRO, or Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (English: International Federation of Professional Footballers).
66 national players’ associations make up FIFPRO, which has its global headquarters in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. There are also four candidate members.
With 15 appearances each, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have the most in the FIFPRO World 11, with Sergio Ramos coming in second with 11 appearances.
Who is Amir Reza Nasr Azadani And Why Was He Sentenced?
Human rights organizations have reported that Iranian footballer Amir Reza Nasr Azadani, who was detained last month for taking part in nationwide demonstrations against the country’s religious establishment, has been given the death penalty.
According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Mr. Azadani was detained in connection with the deaths of three security personnel during protests in Isfahan and charged of “waging war against God.”
The 26-year-old Iranian league football player is one of at least 27 Iranians who are in danger of being executed due to the demonstrations that have gripped the nation for nearly three months.
Majidreza Rahnavard and Mohsen Shekari, two of those individuals who are both 23 years old, were publicly executed this month.
FIFPRO, the international association of professional football players, expressed outrage and disgust over Mr. Azadani’s sentence “after advocating for women’s rights and fundamental freedom in his country.”
Famous footballers from the present and the past showed support and demanded an end to executions.
Using their social media channels, former Iranian international Ali Karimi and World Cup goalie Alireza Beiranvand urged the revocation of the conviction and an end to executions.
