Iran is at war with its own people. Fifa won’t let that spoil their World Cup

Iran’s national football team: ‘uncomfortably aware of the regime’s efforts to use football (and them) to distract attention from the crisis at home.’ Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Some governments, such as Syria and Myanmar, kill their own people. Some, such as Russia, kill people in other countries, as in Ukraine. Iran’s government is doing both, home and away.

Now, pressed into action by this murderous regime, Iran’s national football team is about to play England, Wales and the US in the 2022 World Cup – as if nothing untoward were happening. This is not OK. In truth, it’s shameful.