Asia

FIFA To Investigate Iran Over Alleged Player 'Punishment'

World football's governing body has demanded answers over claims that Team Melli's players have been blacklisted on political grounds.

Jun 26, 2009 3:53:10 AM

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The World Game reports that FIFA have sent a 'please explain' letter to the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) following reports that some of the national team's players were punished after flying the political flag in their last World Cup qualifier.

Six Team Melli stars sported green wristbands during the 1-1 draw in South Korea last week, a result that ended their quest for a place at South Africa 2010.

The bands marked the players' support for Mir Hossain Mousavi, the losing candidate in Iran's June 12 presidential elections, which saw Mahmoud Ahmadinejad retain his office despite mass public protest.

The English media have been reporting that the players in question - who include national legends Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia - were told after the game that they would never play international football again.

A FIFA spokesperson said, "We wrote a letter to the Iranian Federation to ask for some answers and clarification regarding the press reports over what happened to some of the Iranian players following the qualifier with South Korea on June 17."

Mike Maguire, Goal.com