The top scorer of the Iranian national football team, Ali Daei, said last Monday (15) that he declined the invitation to participate in the World Cup, which takes place in Qatar, in “solidarity” with the demonstrations taking place in Iran.
The announcement of the refusal was made through his Instagram profile.
“I answered no to the official invitation from FIFA and the Qatar Football Federation to participate in the World Cup, with my wife and daughters, to be with you in my homeland and express my solidarity with all the families who have lost their loved ones. dear ones these days,” he said.
Daei has been a vocal supporter of protests across Iran, which erupted when 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in September after being detained by local police.
The 53-year-old former Iranian international scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, and held the record for most goals for a national team, which was broken by Cristiano Ronaldo last year.
In the post, former Dutch player Clarence Seedorf, formerly of Real Madrid, Milan and Botafogo, praised the attitude of his professional colleague: “I admire his courage, kindness and leadership. Peace is what I wish could be achieved as soon as possible. Much love to you and your family and all the brothers and sisters in Iran.”
Source: CNN Brasil
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