Iran, politics, and the World Cup

February 14th, 2006 | by: Afshin Afshar |

Well, the way I look at it I might as well get my kicks from writing on this blog as long as the fun lasts. It looks very likely that Iran will not compete in the World Cup for one reason or another.

Yesterday a Tehran Newspaper editor said that if the controversial cartoons contest that his newspaper has organized causes Iran to be banned from the World Cup, then so be it!

I am not suggesting that Iran will be banned for the cartoons contest, but I think the editor has broken a taboo. He has spoken the words that no other high profile person in Iran had spoken until now. He has opened the door for others in influential positions to speak about their willingness to sacrifice Iran’s World Cup attendance for political reasons.

This is very worrisome for us Iranian football fans.

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Comments

By Bob | February 14th, 2006 at 7:49 pm

You know Iran much better than I do but I can’t see it happening. I don’t see how Iran pulling out of the World Cup would help the politicians either at home or abroad. Iran is football mad and I would think it would devestate the people there and only lead to anger. Internationally, some countries want to isolate Iran and by pulling out of the World Cup it would only help this cause. I have faith that we’ll see Iran in Germany this summer.

Posted from United States

By Afshin Afshar | February 14th, 2006 at 8:10 pm

Hey Bob,

I hope you are right, but this article sums up what I am thinking.

Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Afshin

Posted from United States

By K K | February 14th, 2006 at 8:32 pm

I think this is all BS. how can they stop them from going to the WC, thats just funny stuff. But does anyone know any sites u can buy Iranin Jerseys?

By Euler | February 15th, 2006 at 4:34 am

It’s very sad to see politics get in the way of our beautiful game. It’s hard for me to understand this matter. Both nations should be glad to show peace on the green fields. I hope to see Iran playing the World Cup too.

Comments are closed