Group of prominent Iranian sports figures calls on FIFA to ban Iranian Football Federation from World Cup
A law firm has sent a letter to FIFA on behalf of a group of former and current Iranian sports figures urging football's governing body to suspend the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) and ban it from participating at this year's World Cup in Qatar.
"Iran's brutality and belligerence towards its own people has reached a tipping point, demanding an unequivocal and firm disassociation from the footballing and sports world," a press released issued alongside the letter reads.
"FIFA's historical abstinence from political quagmires has often only been tolerated when those situations do not metastasize into the footballing sphere … Football, which should be a safe place for everyone, is not a safe space for women or even men.
"Women have been consistently denied access to stadiums across the country and systematically excluded from the football ecosystem in Iran, which sharply contrasts with FIFA's values and statutes."
The letter says the actions of Iran's football federation violate FIFA statues and regulations.
CNN has contacted FIFA and the FFIRI for comment.
In September, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after she was detained by the country's morality police for apparently not wearing her hijab properly. Iranian authorities have since unleashed a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, who have united around a range of grievances with the country's authoritarian regime.
The letter sent by the Spanish law firm Ruiz-Huerta and Crespo is signed by, among others, former national team members Mehrdad Pooladi and Behshad Yavarzadeh.
The World Cup takes place from Nov. 20 to December 18. Iran faces England in its first match of football's flagship event on Nov. 21, followed by a game against Wales on November 25. The nation is also set to face the United States in its third and final group stage match on November 29.
Correction: This story has been updated to accurately reflect who signed the letter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Hell on earth': Ottawa rapper TwoTiime among Canadians displaced by L.A. fires
Ottawa rapper Khalid Omar, who performs under the name TwoTiime, was forced to evacuate his Calabasas condo as wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area this week, leaving the studio where he records in ruins.
16 dead, 16 missing as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week
The death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city's most famous landmarks.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit
Perrier Attorneys says Costco charged more for items online than in-store, a practice known as “double ticketing,” which is banned under the Competition Act.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Local Spotlight
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
'I didn't want to go cold turkey:' Environment Canada's David Phillips on why he keeps working after retirement
When Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips retired this past September, he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
'One-of-a-kind' fire-breathing dragon sculpture takes over Winnipeg yard
A Winnipeg sculptor’s latest creation could also double as a house guard.
'Really unique': Ice core drilled by U of M scientist could unlock climate history
A Manitoba researcher was part of a historic research team that uncovered the oldest ice core ever retrieved.
'Loving each other, building memories:' B.C. couple facing life-threatening illnesses cherishes every day
Hayley and Bill Atkinson’s love story begins that night he abruptly left in the middle of playing a card game with friends, and didn’t return for a long time.
Long live the King: N.B. tribute artist to honour Elvis' 90th birthday with special performance
Though it has been nearly five decades since Elvis' death, his music and influence continue to inspire fans around the world, including tribute artist Thane Dunn of Moncton, N.B.