Players of the Iran national football team staged a symbolic protest ahead of their international friendly against the Nigeria national football team in Turkey on Friday.
The Iranian players wore black armbands and held schoolbags during their national anthem in Belek, a gesture a team official said was in response to the reported killing of schoolchildren during recent military strikes in Iran. The Match Ended 2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
According to the official, the bags represented schoolgirls allegedly killed in an attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School, which Iranian authorities claim left over 170 people dead, including students and teachers.
The development comes amid rising tensions involving the United States and Israel, with investigations ongoing into the incident. U.S. authorities have acknowledged the possibility of involvement but say conclusions have not yet been reached.
The protest also reflects broader concerns surrounding Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as geopolitical tensions continue to impact preparations.
Iran’s football federation is reportedly in discussions with FIFA over the possibility of relocating their World Cup matches to Mexico.
The team is scheduled to face Costa Rica in another friendly in Turkey on Tuesday.
