Iran Warns FIFA of Political Influences on Football
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The president of Iran cautioned FIFA against the influence that political figures may exert on football or their attempt to take advantage of the popular sport to fulfill their political objectives.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
Raisi described football as a very attractive and popular sport, especially among the youth, and as one of the important fields for creating vitality in society.
"It is necessary for the policymakers and those involved in the field of football to pay special attention to the improvement of the technical and tactical ability of the players, and the promotion of professional ethics in the athletes and the competition fields," the Iranian president said.
He also described sports, especially football, as one of the suitable platforms for closer relations between countries and called on the president of FIFA to be careful about the influence of politicians on this popular sport and about directing it towards political goals and objectives.
Infantino, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and conversation with the Iranian president.
Hailing the efforts of the government of Iran for the development of sports, especially football, in all parts of the country, Infantino thanked Iran's very good and constructive interaction and cooperation with FIFA.
He also voiced FIFA’s readiness to support Iran's football, introduce Iran's football capacities and talents, and familiarize the nations with Iranian culture.
Infantino also presented a soccer ball to the Iranian president.
