Iranian-Americans Demand Iran's Removal from World Cup Amid Protests

Many Iranian-Americans feel shame over Iran's participation in the World Cup, demanding FIFA remove the team. Protesters argue the Iranian regime uses the event to conceal its harsh repression, which includes the death of athletes. Demonstrations and debates around the players' roles fuel the controversy.

Instead of feeling proud, many Iranian-Americans are expressing shame and calling on FIFA to expel Iran from the World Cup, citing the Iranian government's use of the event to 'sportswash' its oppressive actions.

The presence of the Iranian team in the competition is seen by protesters as a facade to hide the regime's harsh repression and execution of thousands of dissidents, including athletes, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Demonstrators in Los Angeles, including Ryan Salami, whose family fled Iran, argue that allowing Iran to participate misrepresents conditions in the country.

Former national team players and activists believe the Iranian regime's influence over the team is significant, and they question the complicity of the players themselves. While some sympathize with the athletes, fearing repercussions for defying the regime, others see them as collaborators. The protests included calls for regime change and unfurling of banned pre-revolution flags at matches.