As per Al Jazeera, high-ranking officials in Iran’s legal system have refuted the existence of any verdict in this particular matter.
The Indian Express examines the identity of Nasr-Azadani, the cause behind his punishment, and the environment for athletes in Iran.
He would be selected for various tiers of youth football teams representing his nation, Iran. His ability to play high up on the pitch made him a promising prospect in Iranian football, maturing into a competent fullback. Amir, born in 1996 in the central-Iranian city of Isfahan, started playing football for the local youth teams of SC Sepahan powerhouse.
Although his career would be marred by a series of injuries, he would emerge in the second division of Iran. He suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire year in 2018, but later joined one of Iran’s top clubs to showcase his talents, SC Tractor, a year later. He joined Rah-Ahan Tehran, the Azadani Nasr team, in 2014, marking his first time playing in Iran’s Premier League.
Currently, at the age of 26, Nasr-Azadani was working his way back to top form when he was arrested by Iranian authorities.
What is the reason behind Azadani’s impending execution?
Nasr-Azadani had a striking similarity to one of the three individuals who “admitted,” but they did not disclose the identities of those charged with the murder of Cheraghi. Three “admissions” taking responsibility for the Colonel’s death would be shown in a video released by the authorities three days later. Iranian officials declared the demise of Colonel Esmael Cheraghi as a result of the violence that erupted during continuous protests on November 17.
The former director of his football club later confirmed Nasr Azadani’s arrest a few days after he posted a tribute to him on Instagram.
According to IranWire, the family of the footballer was threatened by security forces who warned them not to disclose the news of his “severe” arrest or face the possibility of choosing a lawyer and being informed of his death sentence early in December.
Colonel Nasr-Azadani, who was never present in the area where he was killed, had reportedly been present in some nationwide protests, while slogans chanting and protests were limited and short-lived in his presence. These claims were made by sources cited by IranWire.
What has been the global response to this news?
FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country.
We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment. pic.twitter.com/vPuylCS2ph
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 12, 2022
In addition to FIFPRO’s powerful statement, individuals from various sectors of the football community have expressed their solidarity with Amir Nasr-Azadani.
“Good grief. This is dreadful,” posted Gary Linekar, a renowned English footballer and current broadcaster. Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao, a former player for Monaco, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester United, expressed on Twitter in Spanish, “This is not tolerable. We stand with Amir Nasr-Azadani.”
Goalkeeper Alireza Biranvand, without mentioning Nasr-Azadani, took the initiative to request the cessation of the execution. Notably, none of the players from the Iran World Cup team have openly responded to this news. Nevertheless, other players in the domestic league have expressed their support. Football icon Ali Karimi urged the government to overturn Amir’s execution within Iran.
Sportspeople facing stress in Iran
Due to his vocal support for the protesters, businesses seized by the regime’s wrath faced Ali Daei, Iran’s all-time top goalscorer and “Asian Maradona,” with Karimi Ali, who is in self-imposed exile. Even legends like Karimi Ali have faced the regime’s anger. Footballers Rezaei Kaveh and Broumand Parviz, as well as Voria Ghafouri, were arrested over the course of the protests. Mohammad Ghaemifar, a 22-year-old goalkeeper, was shot dead by security forces. Amid the protests in Iran, Nasr-Azadani is not the first footballer or athlete to be persecuted by the regime, especially in relation to hijab-related protests.