Iran’s football federation chief walks out of FIFA event in solidarity with Palestinians
The president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, walked out of the annual congress meeting of FIFA in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday in protest of Israel’s presence and its ongoing war on Gaza.
Taj and his associates left the meeting during the statement of the Israeli representative, calling for the suspension of Israel and its representatives from all football activities.
Taj stated that several other representatives, including from Iraq and Lebanon, also left the congress in condemnation of Israel’s actions.
He emphasized that Iran does not recognize the “Zionist regime” and believes it should be banned from all football activities.
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub also addressed the congress, highlighting Israel’s “systematic” violations of FIFA statutes and human rights in Gaza.
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He described the situation as an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” and a “live televised genocide.” Rajoub called for sanctions against Israel and urged the congress to vote to suspend the Israel Football Association from all football activity.
Rajoub revealed that he had received threats from the Israeli foreign affairs minister to withdraw his proposal, but he refused, stating that “no power in the world can stand in the way of truth.”
The walkout and calls for sanctions demonstrate the growing international support for the Palestinian people and condemnation of Israel’s actions.
