Iran soccer player sentenced to death by hanging

Following the death in Iran at the hands of the morality police of a 22-year-old Kurdish girl, Mahsa Amin, for violating the country’s strict dress code, a wave of protests have erupted across the country, with the state repressing those calling for more freedom.

The Iranian regime is taking a hard line over the protests and is desperate to punish those who have campaigned for women’s rights and freedom in the nation. The most recent of these is 26-year-old former soccer player, Amir Nasr-Azadani, who has been sentenced to be hanged.

According to the ‘Mizan’ news agency, the footballer is to suffer the same fate as wrestler Majid Reza Rahnavard, who was publicly executed for participating in the protests and leading the marches in memory of Mahsa Amini. According to the Iranian regime, he was responsible for “creating terror”. After being arrested for “his war against God” he was publicly hanged. Images of his lifeless body hanging from the gallows circulated on social media.

FIFPRO slams punishment

After learning of the cruel punishment that awaits Azdani, FIFPRO, which represents professional soccer players, spoke out on social networks and asked that the punishment be revoked immediately.

“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. We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.” the organisation posted on social media.

Ali Daei, one of the most famous stars in the history of the Iran national soccer team, has also been punished, with the government closing a jewellery store and a restaurant he owned for supporting the protests.