Iran's football heroes face a grueling struggle to express themselves in a regime that seeks to silence dissenting voices through brutal repression and internet shutdowns.
For athletes like Mehdi Taremi, who scored a crucial goal for Olympiakos on Saturday, the pressure is mounting. The 33-year-old striker expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters, refusing to celebrate his victory due to the ongoing unrest in his country. "There are problems between the people and the government," he said. "The people are always with us, and that's why we are with them." Taremi's stance is a rare display of defiance from an athlete who has long been revered by Iranian fans.
Iranian footballers have historically walked a fine line between supporting their country's national team and challenging the government's authoritarian grip. In 2010, players wore green armbands in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi during protests over disputed election results. More recently, former captain Voria Ghafouri was detained for "spreading propaganda against Iran" after criticizing the regime.
The Iranian football federation is under intense pressure to maintain order and quash dissenting voices within its own ranks. The government has threatened repercussions against those who defy its authority, including sports officials and athletes.
Taremi's stance may not go unnoticed by the authorities, but few Iranians are better known internationally than he is. Despite once being seen as a supporter of the regime, it appears that the player has evolved since making a name for himself at Tehran giants Persepolis.
As Iran remains cut off from the world due to internet shutdowns and widespread repression, Iranian footballers and their supporters are crying out for greater freedom and transparency. Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of the 2022 World Cup team that did not sing the national anthem in protest, has spoken out in solidarity with the Iranian people.
Queiroz's words echo the sentiments of influential poet Ahmad Shamlou, who wrote: "Freedom is breathing in an air where there is no lie." As Iran struggles to find its voice in the darkness, the world watches with growing concern for the safety and wellbeing of the Iranian people.
For athletes like Mehdi Taremi, who scored a crucial goal for Olympiakos on Saturday, the pressure is mounting. The 33-year-old striker expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters, refusing to celebrate his victory due to the ongoing unrest in his country. "There are problems between the people and the government," he said. "The people are always with us, and that's why we are with them." Taremi's stance is a rare display of defiance from an athlete who has long been revered by Iranian fans.
Iranian footballers have historically walked a fine line between supporting their country's national team and challenging the government's authoritarian grip. In 2010, players wore green armbands in support of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi during protests over disputed election results. More recently, former captain Voria Ghafouri was detained for "spreading propaganda against Iran" after criticizing the regime.
The Iranian football federation is under intense pressure to maintain order and quash dissenting voices within its own ranks. The government has threatened repercussions against those who defy its authority, including sports officials and athletes.
Taremi's stance may not go unnoticed by the authorities, but few Iranians are better known internationally than he is. Despite once being seen as a supporter of the regime, it appears that the player has evolved since making a name for himself at Tehran giants Persepolis.
As Iran remains cut off from the world due to internet shutdowns and widespread repression, Iranian footballers and their supporters are crying out for greater freedom and transparency. Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of the 2022 World Cup team that did not sing the national anthem in protest, has spoken out in solidarity with the Iranian people.
Queiroz's words echo the sentiments of influential poet Ahmad Shamlou, who wrote: "Freedom is breathing in an air where there is no lie." As Iran struggles to find its voice in the darkness, the world watches with growing concern for the safety and wellbeing of the Iranian people.
Its really concerning to see how Iran's footballers are being treated, they're under so much pressure from the government to keep quiet. 
Mehdi Taremi's decision to not celebrate his goal is a big deal, it shows that he's not afraid to stand up for what hes believes in 
. But its also scary to think about what might happen if he gets in trouble with the authorities 
. The fact that Iranian footballers have been silenced or punished in the past is a clear example of how the regime will stop at nothing to maintain control 
. We should be paying more attention to whats going on in Iran and supporting those who are speaking out against the government 
but what does this really mean in the grand scheme? Are we just using sports as a way to express dissent, or is there something more at play? 
I think about how athletes like Queiroz and Taremi are speaking out, but also how vulnerable they are - can you really be "silenced" when your platform is so public? 
this is getting too intense... athletes like Mehdi Taremi are trying to speak out against their country's government, but it's hard not to feel that they're being forced into a corner 
the pressure from the authorities is suffocating... I wish more people could see what's going on over there without having to resort to internet shutdowns 
like everyone just disappears into thin air 
at least Taremi's stance shows some courage, but we all know how that usually ends 
it's a sad state of affairs when even sports can become a battleground for freedom and dissent 
. Athletes are supposed to be role models, not puppets being controlled by the government. Mehdi Taremi is a legend, but what's going on in Iran is just heartbreaking 
. I mean, how many times can you silence dissenting voices before someone loses their mind? 
The government needs to chill out and let people express themselves without fear of reprisal. And what about the poor fans who are suffering through all this? They deserve better than a regime that's more interested in crushing opposition than promoting freedom. 
Mehdi Taremi's decision to not celebrate his goal is super brave, I hope he gets some protection from the authorities 
. It's crazy that footballers are being used as a tool for the government to silence dissenting voices - it's like they're being forced to sing from the same hymn sheet 
. The internet shutdowns in Iran are already so frustrating for people, imagine having no way to express yourself or get information out 
meanwhile the rest of us are over here trying to figure out how to get our own governments to do better without losing all sense of decency 
Athletes got guts, Taremi's not afraid to speak up 
freedom of speech is basic, everyone should be able to express themselves without fear of reprisal 
anyway back to this news... i dont think its right that athletes have to choose between their team and their country or else they'll get in trouble 
. carlos queiroz being a coach in the 2022 world cup team who didn't sing the national anthem shows that people will stand up for what they believe in 
. and what's even harder is when the government shuts down the internet so people can't even talk about it 
. we need more voices like mehdi taremi and carlos queiroz to speak out against injustice 
.
. that's like, super brave of him 
. i wish sum1 would just explain wht's goin on in iran rn... its like, so confusing 
and good luck 2 him 
Mehdi Taremi's stance is a huge deal tho 
️ It's amazing how much influence athletes have on the world stage 
. The fact that he refused to celebrate his victory is just proof of his conviction 
. It's not going to be easy, but if we all stand together, we can make a difference 
. And let's be real, it's not like the Iranian football federation isn't under pressure already 
. Maybe this will be the push they need to change things 
.
. It's not just them, either - fans and supporters are also feeling really suppressed with all the internet shutdowns and repression 
you gotta feel bad 4 Mehdi Taremi & other iranian footballers who gotta walk on eggshells every time they make a move. it's like they're living in a constant state of fear, never knowing when they'll get caught up in the government's wrath. i mean, who wouldn't wanna express solidarity with ppl being oppressed? 
. But for real tho, the Iranian football federation is walking on eggshells rn. Can't even criticize the government without facing repercussions 
. It's wild that athletes are still speaking out despite all this. I guess you could say they're breathing fire in a world where there's no lie... or at least, not yet 
. We can't just sit back and expect everyone else to make the sacrifices that athletes like Taremi are making. I mean, we know the government is a total monster, but what about all the other people who aren't on the pitch? What about the ordinary Iranians who are living their lives under this regime's boot?