Concerns about human rights are among the many contentious issues surrounding the 2022 World Cup.
Since the previous FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, awarded Qatar the hosting rights in 2010, the World Cup has been marred by several scandals.
The first World Cup to be held in the Middle East has been marred by issues ranging from gay rights to migrant worker rights.
Despite all of Qatar’s problems, other countries have been dealing with their own. Iran entered the World Cup during a period of domestic unrest and demonstrations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has been in charge of the country’s recent rebellion and widespread rallies.
According to Iran International, nearly 400 people have been killed by his security forces in the last two months, highlighting his regime’s egregious violation of women’s rights.
Players unanimously refused to perform the national anthem when the squad took the field for their first match against England on November 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Some players have publicly criticized his leadership.
According to Independent journalist Borzou Daragahi, the squad took a big risk because Ali’s government has issued arrest warrants for football legends who have spoken out against him.