Iran U-17 Voices Peace through Football in the Heat of the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Iran U-17 brings a message of peace through football at the 2023 U-17 World Cup (doc. LOC WCU 17)

JAKARTA – The 2023 U-17 World Cup is not just a match on the green field. Football has become a means of calling for peace when the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is heating up.

Iran U-17's football is a peacemaker. The coach, Hossein Abdi, brought a special message when accompanying his team to compete in Group C of the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

He emphasized that the eyes of the world must see football that can be played by anyone regardless of background.

"Everyone here is reminded that we gathered because of one desire, namely playing football. It doesn't matter which country you come from, and what you believe in," said Hossein Abdi.

“But football is a good idea. "I thank FIFA for organizing this match in such a way," he said.

More specifically, Abdi actually wants to convey a message of peace through football to his foster children.

He believes that his students who are currently competing in the 2023 U-17 World Cup will be the backbone of the senior team in the next four years.

Because of this, they have a lot to learn during the 2023 U-17 World Cup, especially about carrying messages of peace when the situation in the world is not good.

“These players in four years will be part of the senior team and they have to be ready. "They received a lesson or education that this is a humanitarian issue from football," said Hossein Abdi.

“A beautiful game regardless of background. "We have to keep reminding them of that," he said.

“Indonesian spectators came to the stadium to support us. Our team and nation thank you. This is a matter of humanity, not just Muslims. Everyone loves our team. "We want to give a good memory of Indonesia to our country," he said.

Iran U-17 made a surprise at the 2023 U-17 World Cup after beating defending champion Brazil U-17 with a score of 3-2 in the first match of Group C.

Unfortunately, this good journey had to be tarnished in the second match. They had to accept defeat from England U-17 with a narrow score of 1-2.