Amir Nasr Azadani: Iranian Footballer Faces Execution for Women Rights Campaign

• Amir Nasr Azadani, a former Iranian footballer, has reportedly been sentenced to death
• Azadani has been part of protests against the state of women's rights in the country
• Iran players refused to sing the national anthem in their World Cup tie against England

An Iranian professional footballer, Amir Nasr Azadani faces execution over his role in campaigning for women's rights in the country.

Iran has witnessed intense protests in recent months, with citizens revolting against the current regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

As BBC News reports, the protests started with the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who allegedly went against the rules requiring women to cover their hair in public. Amini was futher alleged to have been arrested and died in police custody, sparking protests in the country.

This culminated in top actresses and football players joining in the struggle. The Iran football team recently refused to sing their national anthem during their opening game at the World Cup against England.

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What did Azadani do?

IranWire reports that Azadani was one of the people who attended the protests, but was allegedly coerced into admitting that he participated in the killing of government officials.

Former players Ali Karimi and Masoud Shajaei have asked the government to rescind their decision.

The association of professional footballers - FIFPro - has also slammed the news and called for necessary action to be taken to avert the possible sentence.

Iran players refused to sing anthem

Sports Brief has previously reported that the Qatar World Cup has been marred by many controversies, from the time they were awarded hosting rights in 2010 by former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter.

Issues ranging from homosexual rights to migrant workers' rights have threatened to derail the first-ever World Cup to be held in the Middle East.

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But amidst all the issues facing Qatar, other countries have been grappling with issues of their own as well. Iran came into this World Cup on the back of lawlessness and protests back home.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei has been at the centre of issues leading to the nationwide protests and uprising witnessed in the country.