Iran is competing in the World Cup as a major women's protest movement is roiling the country.
Soccer fans at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, could be heard whistling during the Iranian national anthem while Iranian players stood silent. Credit: Vinicius Guedes via Storyfulis drawing cultures and countries together from around the world, one continues to be divided.
The unrest was spurred by the Sept. 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police. It first focused on the state-mandated hijab, or headscarf, for women, but has since morphed into one of the most serious threats to the Islamic Republic since the chaotic years following its founding.
Before international matches, Iran's players usually sing the national anthem with the right hands on their heart. On Monday they stood silently, their arms draped around each other's shoulders, prompting Iran’s state TV to cut from a close-up of the players’ faces to a wide shot of the pitch. Many Iran fans wore T-shirts or waved signs printed with the mantra of the uprising — "Woman, Life, Freedom" inside the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Others wore T-shirts bearing the names of female protesters killed by Iranian security forces in recent weeks.Iranian fans hold up signs"Woman Life Freedom" during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Barred from stadiums at home, Iran women travel to World CupGames in soccer-crazed Iran have sparked women’s protests for years.
Read more »
England vs Iran Prediction - World Cup Odds & Free PickWorld Cup prediction, odds, and betting tips for England vs Iran on November 21. World Cup free pick and game analysis.
Read more »
World Cup updates, scores: England kicks off against Iran; USMNT gets ready for WalesFollowing FIFA's threat of yellow cards for any players wearing the 'OneLove' armbands during the WorldCup, the federations of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland asked their captains not to wear them. OneLove
Read more »
World Cup live updates: England vs. Iran opens a big day in QatarThe World Cup is in full swing Monday, with three games featuring high-profile squads making their debuts in Qatar. First, star-studded England, a contender to win its first world title since 1966, takes on Iran in Group B. Follow our live updates:
Read more »
Iran players opt not to sing national anthem at World CupIran's national soccer team chose not to sing their country's anthem before their opening World Cup match against England on Monday, in an apparent show of support for protesters back home.
Read more »