Ali Daei: We are building stadiums in Syria and Lebanon while they insult Iranians

Ali Daei, a prominent figure in Iranian and global football, who has distanced himself from football activities in protest against government policies in Iran, stated: "Management is not about building stadiums in Lebanon and Syria and holding the 'Arab Gulf Cup' there while insulting Iranians." In response to comments made by Alireza Dabir, the president of the Wrestling Federation and a member of the Tehran City Council, regarding conditions for Daei's return to football, he said: "I am not familiar with his name. This name was familiar to me in the past, but since he went to the City Council and changed his attire, I do not recognize this name." Alireza Dabir had previously stated: "I have said 20 times that Ali Daei should return to football and be a coach, but if anyone wants to be a manager, they must set aside their business and other activities." In response to these remarks, Ali Daei advised Dabir to "take care of his private life and not decide for others." He questioned Dabir's authority, asking, "What is he to determine my fate?" Regarding Dabir's claim of sleeping three hours due to "work pressure," he added: "Ask psychologists, how can someone who sleeps three hours a night manage? When I was coaching, I slept eight to ten hours, and certainly, people like Dabir sleep during the day." Ali Daei also mentioned that he has decided to "stay away from football for now" and warned Dabir that "this should be the last time he makes such comments." Daei's reference to Dabir's "changing attire" relates to his behavior shift after his sports championship and his alignment with government factions, which some observers have labeled as hypocrisy. Previously, Dabir had met with Ali Khamenei, kissing the hand of the Supreme Leader and asking him to pray for them in special prayers. Dabir has faced public and media criticism for his anti-American remarks during the second anniversary of Qassem Soleimani's death and his commitment to the slogan "Death to America," despite having held a U.S. green card for years. Daei's remarks have drawn negative reactions from social media users. He is a well-known sports figure supporting public protests, having faced attacks from the Islamic Republic and its supporters. He has repeatedly emphasized that he is not seeking a position or title within the Islamic Republic. Following widespread protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, a passenger plane carrying Daei's wife and daughter was forced to make an emergency landing after being turned back from Dubai. Recently, Daei criticized the government's focus on "Muslims in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iraq," stating, "The light that is allowed in the house is forbidden in the mosque," emphasizing the need to "think about our country and our people." Other prominent sports figures, including Karim Bagheri, have supported Daei.