DThe players of the Iranian beach soccer team are threatened with disciplinary proceedings because they refused to celebrate after winning the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai. This was announced by the Iranian Beach Soccer Association in a press release on Monday. “The playing field should not be the scene of political issues and therefore investigations will also be launched against those who have violated this principle,” the association wrote, according to the Tasnim news agency.
The Iranian Mohammadali Mokhtari, here in the group game against the USA, took a clear position with his team
What: Getty Images/Francois Nel
According to eyewitnesses at Tehran’s IKA airport, upon their return, the players were also banned from speaking to the reporters who were present.
When the Iranian team won the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai on Sunday, the players refused to celebrate after the victory against Brazil out of solidarity with the protests in their home country. No player celebrated when the cup was handed over either.
State television canceled the live broadcast
In protest against the violent repression of the demonstrators in Iran, no Iranian player sang the national anthem before the game. Iranian state television canceled the live broadcast.
In Dubai itself, the team was celebrated by the Iranian fans for refusing to celebrate and showing solidarity with the opponents of the regime in Iran.
