The Iranian football team players refused to sing their national anthem against England in their World Cup group stage match on Monday.
Asia’s top ranked team has head into the tournament amid a backdrop of mass protests against the regime at home, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in September, after she was arrested for allegedly wearing her headscarf inappropriately.
Earlier, Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has refused to confirm whether his side will sing the national anthem ahead of Monday’s match against England. Iran’s players have previously shown support for the demonstrations, covering the country’s symbols with black jackets during a friendly this year, while some have chosen to not celebrate goals.
Iranian national sides in other sports have refused to sing the national anthem at recent events, and while Jahanbakhsh had said the team have discussed the issue, he did not confirm what, if any, protest they have planned.
This is something unheard of from any country in the world.
