FIFPRO has expressed "serious concerns" for the safety of the Iranian national football team players who refused to sing the national anthem during a match against South Korea. This act of courage came shortly after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran and announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, just days later, during a match against Australia, the athletes sang the anthem again, which independent Iranian journalists revealed was under duress. "It is completely obvious that the regime of the Islamic Republic and the security team accompanying the players in Australia forced them to sing and perform the military salute," stated Alireza Mohebbi, correspondent for Iran International TV in Australia. Now, with the announcement that the succession of power in Iran will be led by the son of the former leader, FIFPRO warns of possible reprisals the players may face upon returning to the country. "The reality at this moment is that we cannot contact the players. This is extremely concerning. It is not something new; it has been happening since the repression intensified in February and January," said Beau Busch, FIFPRO President for Asia and Oceania, as quoted by Reuters. "We are really worried about the players, but our responsibility now is to do everything we can to ensure they are safe, which is a truly challenging situation," he added.
International Alarm South Korea remains central to this story.
International Alarm South Korea remains central to this story.
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