Sports minister urges FIFA to suspend Israel over anti-Iran aggression
Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali called on FIFA to hand Israel suspension from all international football events.
The Iranian official made the request after a football player, a futsal player, and a referee were among the civilians killed by the Israeli airstrikes on the Iranian territory since June 13.
“With deep sorrow and grave concern, we draw your attention to the recent blatant war crimes committed by the Zionist regime of Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These aggressive acts have resulted in devastating consequences for innocent civilians,” Donyamali wrote in a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, adding: “Among the victims of these abhorrent attacks were a footballer named Ali Moradi, a futsal player named Alireza Khalaj, and a referee named Mohammad Asadi, who tragically lost their lives.”
“This is a heavy blow not only to our nation but also to the global sports community, serving as a bitter and tragic reminder of the unacceptable oppression and widespread violence that continues to plague our world. In light of these deeply distressing events, we respectfully and urgently call upon FIFA to take decisive and appropriate action.
“We demand the immediate suspension of the occupying Israeli regime from all international football competitions and events. This necessary measure is not merely a political stance but a fundamental commitment to human rights, ethical principles, and the Olympic Charter — values that football explicitly upholds. Such a decisive act of solidarity would underscore the global football community’s unwavering dedication to the victims of war, including the athletes tragically lost in these conflicts. It would send a clear and unequivocal message that the moral values of sportsmanship, peace, and human dignity transcend all other considerations.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports and Youth praised the Iranian armed forces' retaliatory strike on U.S. military bases in the region, emphasizing that it was carried out as a legitimate and lawful act of self-defence.
Iran responded to U.S. participation in Israel’s air war against Iran by firing missiles on Monday at the Al Ubeid air base in Qatar.
“The Ministry of Sports and Youth once again expresses its full support for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in their legitimate and lawful defence of the nation’s territorial integrity. The Ministry hereby commends and expresses gratitude for the strikes against U.S. military bases in the region, which were conducted within the framework of a nation’s inherent right to self-defence,” read the statement late on Monday.
The official Instagram page of the Iranian national football team again offered solidarity with the Iranian people and armed forces, in separate posts on Tuesday, reading: “My life dedicated to Iran” and “Iran is at stake. We stay loyal to Iran.”