Ali Karimi, the Iranian football legend, is spearheading a growing call for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address the alleged deaths of protesters in Iran. Karimi, a former Bayern Munich player and Iranian international, has been a vocal supporter of the protests that have rocked Iran since 2022.
The protests initially erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country's hijab laws. Amini's death sparked widespread outrage and led to demonstrations against the Iranian government across the country.
Karimi's criticism of the government's response to the protests has made him a target of Iranian authorities. In 2022, he was charged in absentia by authorities in Tehran for supporting the anti-government protests.
The scale of the crackdown on protesters has been a subject of much debate. According to local health officials, the death toll could be as high as 30,000. This contrasts sharply with the Iranian government's figure of around 200 deaths. The Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed 5,459 deaths.
Amid the ongoing unrest, many Iranian athletes have shown solidarity with the protesters, oftenExpressing their support subtly. Some athletes have been arrested or faced other repercussions for their actions. The muted celebrations by players during matches and the presence of empty stadiums reflect the somber mood within the country.
The Iranian government has reportedly opened cases against 15 sports figures and actors for supporting the protests. Omid Ravankhah, head coach of Iran's under-23 national team, was also reportedly detained and questioned upon arrival in Tehran for supporting the protests.
Karimi's call for Infantino to speak out adds to the mounting pressure on FIFA to take a stance on the situation in Iran. FIFA has faced criticism for its perceived silence on human rights issues in the past, particularly in countries hosting major tournaments. Some observers note the Iranian state broadcaster's declining viewership, suggesting a loss of public trust due to manipulation and omission of facts. According to a 2024 survey, only a small percentage of Iranians follow the news or watch films and TV series on state TV.
As the protests continue and the death toll rises, the call for international organizations like FIFA to take action is expected to grow louder. Mehdi Mahdavikia, former Iran national football team captain, said that the blood of the protesters would not go unanswered.
