Mehran Samak Killed By Security Forces For Celebrating Iran’s World Cup Exit

The Iranian national team has faced a challenging situation as they try to balance showing support for protesters in Iran while avoiding backlash from the regime. Critics have accused the team of not being more vocal about the government’s violent suppression of dissent on the global stage, according to an Associated Press report. Additionally, the team has faced criticism for meeting with and bowing to President Ebrahim Raisi before heading to the World Cup in Qatar. However, during the tournament, the players seemed to cautiously stand in solidarity with the protesters.

Before their first match, team captain Ehsan Hajsafi acknowledged the difficulties faced by Iranians in their country, stating that the “conditions in our country are not right.” He highlighted the importance of being a voice for the people and showing them respect. During the playing of the Iranian national anthem in their first match against England, the players remained silent, which many interpreted as a show of support for the protesters. However, the players later received threats from members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. They were warned that their families would suffer violence and torture if they engaged in any political protests against the government, as reported by CNN.

In their other two games against Wales and the United States, the team joined in singing the national anthem. Despite the risks involved, the Iranian national team has tried to navigate a delicate path between expressing support for the Iranian protesters and avoiding repercussions from the regime.