November 30 – On the day of Iran’s exit from the World Cup in Qatar following a 1-0 defeat to the US, the Iranian regime released two former national team footballers who had been arrested for joining nationwide protests prompted by the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police.
State media reported that both right-back Voria Ghafouri (pictured) and retired goalkeeper Parviz Boroumand were released on bail.
Last week, Ghafouri was accused of tarnishing “the reputation of the national team and spreading propaganda against the state”, while Boroumand was arrested nearly two weeks ago on charges of joining protests in person in Tehran.
Their release was seen as a rare concession by the regime to placate the turmoil in Iran, where nationwide protests have continued for months. It came hours before the kick-off of the decisive World Cup match between Team Melli and the USA.
Once a captain of Tehran giants Esteghlal, Ghafouri has long been a critic of the regime, including during his own playing career when he lambasted the ban on women from stadiums. He has also voiced his support for the Kurds. Recently, Ghafouri expressed sympathy for the family of Amini.
The Iranian regime has however tried to brutally crack down on the protests. The UN office of the high commissioner for human rights (OHCHR) has stated that more than 300 people have been killed so far in Iran’s crackdown, including more than 40 children.
The national team has been in the eye of the storm. Some protesters argue the players have not spoken out enough. They refused to sing the national anthem before their opening match with England. Last night against the USA, they did sing but bowed their heads at the end of the anthem.
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