Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter Asks Iran To Be Banned From Playing At Qatar's 2022 World Cup

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter (Photo: IG @fanstribehq)

JAKARTA - Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter asked the Iranian national team to be banned from playing in Qatar's 2022 World Cup following widespread protests regarding Mahsa Amini's death.

Mahsa Amini passed away on September 16 when he was in a moral police custody in the country. Massive demonstrations that claimed many lives also occurred afterward.

This incident made Blatter also condemn Iran for its actions. He even openly said he would exclude Iran if he was still the president of international football.

"Iran must be expelled from the [2022 Qatar] World Cup," Blatter told Swiss newspaper Blick, quoted on Saturday, November 12.

Blick further added that Blatter was confused by the current lack of reaction from FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the ongoing problems in Iran. He demands serious consequences for the Islamic Republic.

Mahsa Amini was charged with condemning the strict dress code imposed by Iran on women. This allegation further sparked anger across the country.

The wave of demonstrations in the country has now posed one of the boldest challenges for the rulers of Iranian clerics since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, the Iranian government has accused foreign enemies of sparking protests across their country.

Iran is placed in Group B with England, Wales and the United States. They will start their campaign in the most prestigious event with the match against the Three Lions on November 21.