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Iranian Footballers Killed During Protests, FIFA Faces Criticism
At least three Iranian footballers have been killed during protests that began on December 28, 2023, sparking criticism of FIFA for its silence regarding the deaths of athletes. The protests, initially triggered by economic grievances, have escalated into widespread demonstrations against the Iranian government.
deaths of Footballers
Mojtaba Torshiz, a former player for Tractor Tabriz, and his wife were reportedly killed during protests on January 4, 2024, in Qaemshahr, Mazandaran province, northern Iran. The Guardian reports that unofficial sources indicate the couple was shot by security forces, though Iranian authorities have not provided an explanation. Reports suggest Torshiz’s wife, Arezoo Madani, was seriously injured but some sources claim she is still alive.
Rebin Moradi, a 17-year-old football talent playing for Saipa’s youth team, was killed in Parand, near Tehran. His father stated that forensic authorities informed him his son was shot from behind at close range, with the bullet passing through his chest. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty details reports that security forces initially conditioned the release of Moradi’s body on his father giving a state-sponsored interview claiming his son was killed by “rioters.” A televised interview subsequently aired with Moradi’s father, where he stated his son was shot at close range.
Amir Mohammad Kouhkan,a futsal goalkeeper and coach,was killed by direct gunfire during street protests in Fars province. He shared a scene from the film Taxi Driver on Instagram shortly before his death, expressing feelings of despair.
Criticism of FIFA
Masoud Shojaei, a former captain of Iran’s national football team, publicly criticized FIFA for its silence on the killing of Iranian athletes. In an
