Iran: soccer player faces death sentence for supporting protestors

Since the start of the World Cup in Qatar, Iran has been in the news repeatedly, but not for their soccer acumen (they had two defeats and one victory and were eliminated in the group stage). These newsworthy moments have come because of the issues that have caused widespread protests in the country. First, there was the confrontation between the Iranian national team and the Islamist regime in Tehran, led by Ali Khamenei. Now, word has surfaced that a player who wore the national team jersey at youth level could be sentenced to death.

Amir Nasr-Azadani, 26, is a footballer who currently plays for FC Iranjavan Bushehr in Iran's Second Division. Years ago, he represented the country for the U-16 national team. These days, his career is in danger after speaking out in favor of those protesting on the streets of many Iranian cities for women's rights. Nasr-Azadani was accused of "waging war against God" and could be sentenceded to death.

According to Abdullah Jafari, the head of the Judicial Authority of the city of Isfahan, Nasr-Azadani was involved with a group accused of assassinating three members of Basich, a volunteer paramilitary force acting under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Jafari claims that the player has confessed to his crime and that there is incriminating evidence.

Despite the statements of the Judicial Authority, it is suspected that the accused was targeted for supporting the protests that followed the death of young woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for not wearing a hijab and, hours later, was found dead after being in police custody. So far, the trial has not been scheduled to begin. However, if he is convicted for "waging war against God", the death penalty will apply.

International campaign against the conviction

Following the news of the accusation and the possible penalty, the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) issued a statement. "We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment," the federation posted on networks.

In addition, well-known players and personalities from around the world joined the campaign to try and save Nasr-Azadani. José Luis Chilavert, Radamel Falcao, Ronald Araujo, Marc Bartra, Diego Godín, Juan Pablo Sorín, among others, all made statements on social media.