Iranian footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani is reportedly facing execution after campaigning for women's rights in his homeland, leaving representative body FIFPRO "shocked" and "sickened".
There have been widespread anti-government protests in Iran following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini after she was detained for allegedly failing to follow the country's dress code back in September. Iran is experiencing nationwide backlash after Amini was said to be detained by police for breaking the strict rules around head coverings.
According to IranWire, Nasr-Azadani - and two other accused - appeared on state television on November 20, when they read a "forced" confession. The report added Nasr-Azadani, who also formerly played for Iranian sides Rah-Ahan and Gol-e Rayhan, was present at protests.
IranWire claims the Islamic Republic of Iran's judicial system is planning to hang the 26-year-old footballer for the death of Colonel Esmaeil Cheraghi and two members of Basij, the government militia, during protests on 17 November. However, it is claimed Nasr-Azadani was not near the position where Cheraghi and the two Basij members died. Instead, Nasr-Azadani's involvement in the protests is believed to have been limited to chanting slogans for a few hours.
It is also reported that Nasr-Azadani's lawyer and family have been instructed not to speak out in the hope that this could lead to a reduced sentence. Human rights organisations claim at least 488 people have been killed since protests began in September and 18,200 have been detained by government authorities.
Footballers' union FIFPRO is a worldwide organisation that represents 65,000 professionals over the globe from 66 different nations. It has released a statement following reports that former Tractor Sazi defender Nasr-Azadani is at risk of execution after speaking out in favour of women's rights and basic freedom.
"FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country," the statement read. "We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment."
Before the start of the World Cup, there were calls for Iran to be banned from competing at the tournament amid widespread reports the Middle Eastern country is supplying Russia with weapons. Ukraine lodged an appeal to FIFA for Iran not to compete in the competition back in October, a request that was not successful.
It was a demand that came after England were asked to boycott their game against Iran over women's rights. But it was the supplying of weapons that was mentioned specifically by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who claimed Iranian "kamikaze" drones have been used in Russian strikes on his nation, with the British government set to impose further sanctions on Iran.
Iran were allowed to play at the World Cup but players undertook their own protest by refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening clash with England on November 21. Players sung the national anthem in their following games after it was alleged their families back home would face prison or torture.
Carlos Queiroz's side crashed out of the tournament at the group stage, despite beating Wales, as they finished third in Group B.
