[66975] The controversy over the dismissal of footballer Sardar Azmoun from Iran's national team

The tension between Sardar Azmoun and the Iranian regime reaches its peak

Sardar Azmoun, a striker for the Shabab Al-Ahli club from the United Arab Emirates, was removed from Iran's national team roster ahead of the World Cup. According to reports by Iran International and Iran International Sport, media outlets identified with the Iranian opposition in exile, the decision was made after the player expressed political views against the Islamic Republic, including reference to the suppression of protesters and being photographed with the ruler of Dubai following regime attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

In response to the dismissal, Iran International notes that the player removed his profile picture in the national team kit and stopped following the official Instagram account of the national team. On the other hand, media outlets identified with the regime in Iran, such as the newspapers 'Farhikhtegan' and 'Khorasan', attacked the player sharply. 'Farhikhtegan' wondered how a player could "stand in the arms of the enemy and act directly against national interests" during wartime, while the 'Khorasan' newspaper accused Azmoun of "shallow thinking" and wondered if it was more important for him to be Iranian or to play in the World Cup.

Iran International reports that in response to the attacks, Azmoun posted an Instagram story in which he wished his teammates success, but claimed that there are elements trying to "destroy him." Beyond the removal from the squad, the channel notes that the judiciary in Iran ordered the confiscation of the player's property following his political statements.