In Support of Rasoul Khadem, Heads of Wrestling Federations Across Iran Resign

Reports indicate that the heads of provincial wrestling federations collectively announced their resignation on Thursday, March 1, in support of Rasoul Khadem, the former president of Iran's Wrestling Federation. According to ISNA news agency, members of the technical council for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling also stepped down from their positions. This group of wrestling officials has requested the Minister of Sports to issue an order for an extraordinary assembly of the Wrestling Federation. Rasoul Khadem resigned from the presidency of the Wrestling Federation yesterday. The resigned president of the Wrestling Federation had asked the main political authorities of the Islamic Republic to communicate the country's stance regarding Iranian athletes' confrontation with Israeli competitors to the International Olympic Committee and to stand by it. Khadem stated that although Iran wants to show that it does not recognize Israel, international sports organizations believe this is a 'political decision' and has nothing to do with sports. He added that higher authorities in the country must examine how to ensure 'Iranian athletes do not confront' Israeli competitors and consider 'appropriate policies' for this, as it may have 'bad consequences' for Iranian sports. It seems his main reference is to the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, which is the highest decision-making body on this issue. Khadem described the issue of 'suspension of wrestling' and 'the country's sports' as 'very serious' and stated that athletes and coaches cannot be faced with such a significant issue. The head of Iran's Wrestling Federation has asked diplomatic teams to clearly and explicitly defend the country's policies and decisions in this regard, so that 'this heavy burden' does not rest solely on the athletes and coaches, especially in 'passive conditions.' According to him, many Israeli athletes are currently participating in international wrestling and judo competitions, most of whom are 'foreign' and do not hold 'Israeli passports.' Khadem stated that these athletes have been 'recruited' with 'temporary passports' to participate due to 'confrontation with Iran's policies' and disrupt Iran's programs. He emphasized that 'if an athlete does not compete in the arena, both he and his sport will be suspended,' stressing that 'it is not right to force our athletes to lose or to spend nights in foreign clinics looking for medical certificates, and this is no longer acceptable to international sports organizations.' In response to these remarks, Mohammad Reza Davarzani, the Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth, said on Tuesday in a gathering of reporters that for over 30 years, Iranian athletes have 'not recognized' Israel in international arenas and have 'avoided confrontation with them.' The World Wrestling Federation recently suspended Alireza Karimi for six months due to a forced loss, and his coach was banned for two years from participating in international competitions. After this forced loss, Khadem warned that following the Karimi incident in Poland, we can no longer obtain medical certificates. We can no longer lose to a former opponent. The Islamic Republic of Iran has prevented its athletes from facing representatives of Israel since 1983. However, there is no approved law regarding this matter.