Iranian authorities release two former national team football players after protest arrests
Parviz Boroumand and Voria Ghafouri were arrested during protests in the country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Iranian officials have released two former members of the national football team after they were arrested in connection with protests in the country earlier this month.
Retired goalkeeper Parviz Boroumand was arrested for allegedly participating in protests in Tehran and was accused of damaging property.
Voria Ghafouri was arrested for allegedly “insulting the national soccer team and propagandising against the government,” according to reports.
Both men were released just hours before Iran was beaten 1-0 by the US at the World Cup to go crashing out of the tournament in Qatar. Iranian authorities gave no explanation for the release, according to The Associated Press.
Ghafouri, who still plays for a club in the country, has been an outspoken critic of the regime throughout his career, objecting to a ban on women attending men’s matches in Iran.
US OKs $1B arms sale to Qatar during key World Cup match
US, Iran fans mingle in Qatar ahead World Cup clash
‘A major breach’: How Iran is trying to use the World Cup to stifle protests
‘From ‘Death to America’ to ‘Axis of Evil’: The historical context around heated winner-takes-all USA vs Iran World Cup match
Niece of Iran’s supreme leader arrested after call to boycott ‘child-killing regime’
He also expressed sympathy for the family of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death in September at the hands of the country’s morality police sparked the most recent wave of protests.
Amini died after being arrested for what police viewed as inappropriate dress, and the protests that have followed have rocked Iran.
At least 452 protesters have been killed and more than 18,000 detained since the start of the unrest, according to the group, Human Rights Activists in Iran.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “delighted” that Ghafouri had been released.
“In taking this decision, I appreciate the support of the Iranian authorities, and in particular that of Hamid Sajjadi, the Iranian Minister of Sport and Youths, who I met around Iran’s match versus Wales,” Mr Infantino said in a statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments