It is not clear the reason behind the insistence of Iran’s football federation FFIRI in requesting such permission despite the fact that FFIRI officials are clearly aware of the rules governing the display of political and religious slogans in stadiums or by sport men and women.
The audacity of the federation reached a level that an unnamed executive of the federation, perhaps succumbing to external pressure, asked the International Relations officer of FFIRI of what are the consequences of defying this AFC and FIFA rule and going ahead with wearing the black armband, in which case the answer was spontaneous; Iran team will be prevented from playing!. The seriousness of the situation was eventually realized by the FFIRI and they opted to play the game according to the rules.
Iranian players in the domestic league, frequently display political but mainly religious messages and slogans on their under jersey and reveal them during scoring celebration. Although such practice is banned by FIFA and also has been considered inappropriate by some religious figures, it seems to be promoted within Iran as TV cameras habitually focus on any player who displays such religious slogans as if it is a mandatory practice!
The Iranian sportsmen and athletes were notorious for displaying religious messages and defiant political slogans right after the revolution but international uproar and application of new rules against such unsporting practices curbed such behavior by the Iranians, apparently not totally eliminated it.
Source: ISNA
AFC turns down Iran's Black Armband request.
The AFC has turned down Iran’s request for the Omid Team to wear black armband to commemorate the death of Fatima Al Zahra, the Prophet Mohammad’s daughter who died in year 632. Fatimah is an inspiring example for Shia Moslems and highly revered.
The AFC found such request inappropriate and not relating to sport. It also violates the international regulation against the display of religious and political messages by players and teams for which severe penalties and sanctions are imposed.
It is not clear the reason behind the insistence of Iran’s football federation FFIRI in requesting such permission despite the fact that FFIRI officials are clearly aware of the rules governing the display of political and religious slogans in stadiums or by sport men and women.
The audacity of the federation reached a level that an unnamed executive of the federation, perhaps succumbing to external pressure, asked the International Relations officer of FFIRI of what are the consequences of defying this AFC and FIFA rule and going ahead with wearing the black armband, in which case the answer was spontaneous; Iran team will be prevented from playing!. The seriousness of the situation was eventually realized by the FFIRI and they opted to play the game according to the rules.
Iranian players in the domestic league, frequently display political but mainly religious messages and slogans on their under jersey and reveal them during scoring celebration. Although such practice is banned by FIFA and also has been considered inappropriate by some religious figures, it seems to be promoted within Iran as TV cameras habitually focus on any player who displays such religious slogans as if it is a mandatory practice!
The Iranian sportsmen and athletes were notorious for displaying religious messages and defiant political slogans right after the revolution but international uproar and application of new rules against such unsporting practices curbed such behavior by the Iranians, apparently not totally eliminated it.
Source: ISNA
It is not clear the reason behind the insistence of Iran’s football federation FFIRI in requesting such permission despite the fact that FFIRI officials are clearly aware of the rules governing the display of political and religious slogans in stadiums or by sport men and women.
The audacity of the federation reached a level that an unnamed executive of the federation, perhaps succumbing to external pressure, asked the International Relations officer of FFIRI of what are the consequences of defying this AFC and FIFA rule and going ahead with wearing the black armband, in which case the answer was spontaneous; Iran team will be prevented from playing!. The seriousness of the situation was eventually realized by the FFIRI and they opted to play the game according to the rules.
Iranian players in the domestic league, frequently display political but mainly religious messages and slogans on their under jersey and reveal them during scoring celebration. Although such practice is banned by FIFA and also has been considered inappropriate by some religious figures, it seems to be promoted within Iran as TV cameras habitually focus on any player who displays such religious slogans as if it is a mandatory practice!
The Iranian sportsmen and athletes were notorious for displaying religious messages and defiant political slogans right after the revolution but international uproar and application of new rules against such unsporting practices curbed such behavior by the Iranians, apparently not totally eliminated it.
Source: ISNA
Iran’s U23 team (Omid Team) will start its long journey for the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games 2016 Qualification at Azadi Stadium against Nepal on Monday 23rd March 2015.
The match on Monday is not expected to attract large number of fans due t the Nowrooz holidays and also due to the low expectation from a sting of failure by Iran that has hit this particular age group.
Mohammad Khakpour, a former Team Melli defender has been given this mammoth task and will be making his first attempt at this level of football to take Iran to the Olympics. Last time Iran made the Olympics games was back in 1980 Moscow games which eventually it boycotted.
Group C of the AFC U-23 Championship consists of Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Afghanistan and Iran will be played in Tehran. The final rounds will be played in Qatar nine months from now.
On Paper the group looks easy enough for Iran to make the final championship rounds along with Saudi Arabia. However, with recent Iranian teams performances against inferior oppositions, nothing is taken for granted. Omid Team personal have already been talking about the strength of the Nepalese team, the first of Iran’s opponents. Saudi Arabian teams at any level, of course are always very competitive and difficult to beat.
Palestine has emerged as a strong team at senior level and their U-23 remains as unknown quality. Neighboring Afghanistan has been solidly progressing at football and their players have a good knowledge of Iranian teams.
The squad was boosted with the news that Azmoun and Jahanbakhash will be joining them despite the objection of Team Melli coach Queiroz. A ruling by Ali Kaffashian favored Omid Team and frustrated Queiroz who has considered robbing of these two players from him as the final nail in the coffin.
