FIFA Requests Explanation from Iran Regarding the Suspension of Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Hajsafi

On Friday, August 11, FIFA announced that it has asked Iran to explain why two players from the Greek team Panionios were suspended for playing against an Israeli team. Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Hajsafi, Iranian players of Panionios, participated in the UEFA competitions last week against Maccabi Tel Aviv. They did not attend the first leg hosted by Israel but accompanied their team in the return match in Athens. Mohammad Reza Davarzani, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, announced on August 10 the suspension of Masoud Shojaei, the national team captain, and Ehsan Hajsafi, another national football player. He emphasized, "When our two footballers act indifferently just because they have a commitment to their club, what happens to their commitment to the noble nation of Iran?" FIFA prohibits any political interference in its member national federations, and if it concludes that its regulations have been violated, it will impose a suspension on all of Iranian football. A FIFA spokesperson stated in an email to Reuters, "We are currently monitoring this issue and will request further information from the Iranian Football Federation. We cannot comment on this matter at this time." If FIFA suspends a country, both its national team and club teams will be barred from participating in regional and international competitions. Iran is set to participate in the World Cup in Russia next year. FIFA's rules state, "Each member federation must operate independently, and no other party should interfere in its affairs." The Iranian Football Federation condemned Shojaei and Hajsafi's participation against the Israeli club team, but prominent Iranian football players and cinema artists strongly supported them, stating that the two players had no choice but to play for their team. In this context, a Twitter campaign was launched by Iranian users with the hashtag #NoBan4Ourplayers, condemning the Iranian Ministry of Sports' action in suspending Shojaei and Hajsafi and expressing concerns about the consequences of such a decision. Mehdi Mahdavikia, a former national football player, supported these two players on his Instagram page, stating, "The moments you brought joy to the people of Iran will never be forgotten. Hoping for a day when politics leaves sports alone and action replaces slogans. I wish we were thinking about sports infrastructure, building a few respectable stadiums, and paying attention to the grassroots sports of this country, eliminating poverty, addiction, unemployment, etc., instead of events in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq... Long live Iran and Iranians." Javad Nekounam, a former national team captain, also posted on his Instagram, sharing a photo of Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Hajsafi and calling for support for them, saying, "Buffon does not defend Israel but plays against Israel; why is playing against our players considered defending Israel? It is interesting that Buffon's and Ronaldo's indifference to Israeli players is seen as a sign of honor, but they do not see our player's armband and tears..." He urged Iranian officials to support these two Iranian footballers "considering the facts." Taraneh Alidoosti, a cinema actress and translator, tweeted, "I wish the football community would not abandon M. Shojaei and E. Hajsafi. Let's appreciate our national heroes; it is us who need them." Mahnaz Afshar, another cinema actress, tweeted, "Playing football is your right; we will see both of your brilliance in the 2018 World Cup in Russia."