A senior Iranian footballer has mentioned it’s as much as particular person gamers whether or not they wish to take a stand and protest in opposition to the Iranian regime through the World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking at a press convention forward of a staff coaching session, Alireza Jahanbakhsh admitted that the staff had mentioned collectively whether or not they need to sing the nationwide anthem, however did not reveal what resolution they’ve come to.
“We are here to play football and that’s the main thing everybody is focused on,” he mentioned.
“Celebrations are something very personal. Every single player has a different celebration.
“And you ask about our nationwide anthem, that is one thing additionally that is determined within the staff which we already talked about.
“Everybody has already talked about. We will never make a big deal out of it to be honest because everyone is only thinking and talking about football to be honest…”
Jahanbakhsh used to play soccer in England, for Brighton. Speaking in English, the attacking midfielder mentioned he hopes the Iran facet may help carry Iranians collectively.
“We have been through a lot of difficulties, and listen throughout the year it’s been ups and downs in every way we can talk about.
“But ultimately of the day, when soccer comes collectively, we are able to make pleasure and we are able to make happiness for the individuals.
“We are four days away from playing one of the biggest games of our lives, and every single person who is involved in Team Melli (Iran), all of us we are focused on the game.”
Iran are in a bunch with England and Wales and play their opening recreation in opposition to the Three Lions on Monday.
Protests in assist of girls’s rights and cultural freedoms are ongoing in Iran. Hundreds have reportedly been killed within the rebellion and greater than 15,000 arrested.
The demonstrations started after the loss of life of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Iran‘s morality police for not sporting her hijab head overlaying appropriately.
In latest days, 5 individuals have been sentenced to loss of life for his or her function within the protests because the regime tries to crack down on the uprisings.
Two former Iranian footballer stars, Ali Daei and Javad Nekounam, have refused to attend the World Cup in solidarity with protesters.
In warm-up matches earlier than the World Cup, some Iranian gamers coated up the Iranian flag on their shirts in protest on the regime.
The facet’s Portuguese coach, Carlos Queiroz, advised Sky News this week that “everybody has the right to express themselves” and cited Premier League gamers taking the knee to show in opposition to racism.
Source: information.sky.com”