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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

Iran Arrests Outspoken Player amid World Cup Scrutiny

Iran World Cup Voria Ghafouri Fars Tasnim Mahsa Amini Soccer Football Kurdish
In this file photo Esteghlal's defender Voria Ghafouri (L) is marked by Ahli's defender Mohammed al-Fatil during the AFC Champions League group C match between Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli and Iran's Esteghlal on April 27, 2021, at the King Abdullah sport city stadium in the Saudi city of Jeddah. (AFP)

Iran has arrested a prominent former member of its national football team over his criticism of the government as authorities grapple with nationwide protests that have cast a shadow over the team as it competes in the World Cup before a global audience. 

The semiofficial Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported Thursday that Voria Ghafouri was arrested for "insulting the national soccer team and propagandizing against the government." 

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