FIFA World Cup: Iran protests reach stadiums in Qatar

Protests in Iran are not showing any sign of subsiding even after more than 10 weeks. And the presence of Iran at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar has drawn more attention towards the unrest happening within the country.

Controversy has erupted over the participation of Iran at the World Cup in some quarters, for example, the request of Ukraine to disqualify Iran for supplying armoured drones to Russia, which have been used in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Anti-government protesters in Iran have demonstrated at the World Cup to raise awareness about the ongoing protest within the country. They’re trying to use the international stage provided by the World Cup.


As a sign of protest, some carried shirts bearing the name of the woman whose death in the custody of the morality police of Iran triggered the protest. While others waved an Iranian flag that was in use before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 that happened in Iran.



The Iranian players seemed to have not sung the national anthem allegedly in Iran’s first game in this World Cup, which was against England. It was seen as a demonstration of support by the players for the protesters. However, they sang the National Anthem in a reserved manner in their second game on Friday, which was against Wales. However, Carlos Queiroz, the Iranian coach, has objected to the attention placed on Iran’s team.

Both anti-government and pro-government fans were present on Friday in the game against Wales, and many instances of fans filming and shouting at each other were reported.

FAQs:

1. Has Iran ever Won the World Cup?
   They have only won three matches so far.
2. What sports in Iran are famous for?
   It’s football.