Khodadad Afsharian Arrested on Charges of 'Receiving Bribes'; Widespread Corruption in Iranian Football

The former head of the referees committee of the Islamic Republic Football Federation was arrested on charges of receiving 'bribes' in a financial corruption case. According to a report by ISNA news agency on Wednesday, June 6, Khodadad Afsharian, the former head of the referees committee, was arrested in connection with a case involving 'bribery payments from the Mes Rafsanjan club to certain football officials.' In addition to Afsharian's arrest, five other suspects related to this case have been summoned to court. ISNA reported, citing 'an informed source,' that 'Khodadad Afsharian has been sent to prison in connection with this case.' In late May, shortly after reports emerged about a new case of systemic corruption in Iranian football and the summons of two federation officials and a sports media editor to court, dismissals began within the football federation, including the dismissal of Khodad Afsharian, a controversial figure. Following his dismissal, Afsharian provided a statement titled 'resignation letter' to the media, claiming he stepped down 'to prevent further controversies'; an action that some football experts in Iran interpreted as being 'at the behest of judicial and federation officials' or for 'self-defense.' Additionally, Khodad Afsharian had previously been involved in other offenses, including altering his son's birth certificate to change his age.