Belek, Turkey: Members of Iran’s men’s national football team made a poignant statement on Friday by donning black armbands and clutching schoolbags as their national anthem echoed through the stadium ahead of a friendly match against Nigeria in the Turkish resort town of Belek.
A senior official with the Iranian football federation described the display as a heartfelt protest against the deaths of schoolgirls killed in a bombing on the opening day of the Iran war. The gesture comes as Iran’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance for the tournament set to unfold across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with participation clouded by the escalating conflict.
The players stood in formation, each holding pink and purple schoolbags decorated with ribbons — a direct nod to the devastating strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh School. Iranian authorities assert that the attack, which coincided with the initial wave of joint US-Israeli airstrikes, claimed over 175 lives, among them children and teachers.
In an interview with Reuters, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice president of
the Iranian football federation, explained the symbolism. “They were deeply affected by the bombing of the girls’ school and wanted to express their sympathy,” Nabi said in Farsi through the federation’s translator. “This was a collective decision by the team. We are united.”
US military investigators have indicated a strong likelihood that American forces carried out the strike, though they emphasized that no final determination has been made pending the completion of their inquiry.
In a related development, the United Nations’ top human rights official called on Washington during Friday’s session of the UN Human Rights Council to expedite its probe into the incident.
Nabi, speaking to reporters in front of the stadium, acknowledged the international scrutiny. He noted that the team was closely monitoring the Human Rights Council proceedings and expressed optimism for resolution. “The team was aware of the discussions taking place at the rights council and hoped for a ‘clear and appropriate decision’,” he added.
Just weeks ago, players from the country’s women’s national team drew ire from state television in Tehran for staying silent during the anthem at an Asian Cup qualifier, prompting accusations of treason.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented earlier this month on Iran’s potential World Cup involvement, stating that while Iran’s national team were welcome to play in the US, it might not be appropriate for their “life and safety”.