Former Iran footballer Voria Ghafouri has been arrested for allegedly spreading “propaganda” against the Islamic republic, according to reports.
The 35-year-old right back, who was part of Team Melli's preliminary squad for the World Cup in 2018 and earned 28 caps, was detained after a training session with his club Foolad Khuzestan on charges of having “tarnished the reputation of the national team and spread propaganda against the state,” the FARS news agency said.
His arrest comes amid fears for the safety of current Iran players who protested against the regime by refusing to sing the national anthem before Monday’s 6-2 defeat to England in Qatar.