The human rights group Open Stadiums called on the International Football Association (FIFA) to exclude the Iranian national team from participating in the upcoming World Cup finals for the popular game, which begins next November, due to the Islamic Republic’s treatment of women.
In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent on Thursday, the group, which has for the past decade sought to allow women into Iranian stadiums, said Iranian authorities continued to refuse to allow women to attend matches inside the country despite pressure from FIFA.
The letter also stated: The Iranian Football Association is not only a participant in the regime’s crimes, but also represents a direct threat to the security of the female public in Iran and wherever our national team plays in the world. Football should be a safe space for all of us.
“It is for this reason, unfortunately, that we, as Iranian football fans, are forced to express our deep concern over Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.”
He added: Why does FIFA give the Iranian state and its representatives an international platform when it only does not respect basic human rights and dignity, but is currently torturing and killing its own people.
He continued: Where are the principles contained in the FIFA regulations in this regard?
He continued: For this reason, we are asking FIFA, pursuant to Articles 3 and 4 of its regulations, to immediately exclude Iran from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This move comes as demonstrations and protests continue in several Iranian cities after the death of a young woman while she was detained by the Iranian morality police.
The Iranian team, led by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, played two friendlies during the last international holiday against Uruguay and Senegal in Austria. Both matches were played behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Iran is preparing to participate in the World Cup finals for the sixth time, and the draw for the first round is part of a group that includes England, the United States and Wales.