The international soccer players union is “sickened” by the news that a soccer player has been sentenced to death for participating in protests in Iran. FIFPRO is shocked by reports that Amir Nasr-Azadani, 26, faces execution for campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in Iran.

FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country.

We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment. pic.twitter.com/vPuylCS2ph

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 12, 2022

Nasr-Azadani has been in custody since November 27. No sentence has been issued yet and it is unclear when his trial will begin. He is accused of being a member of an armed group involved in the death of three security officers during protests in Esfahan in central Iran. That city’s chief justice, Asadullah Jafari, told Iranian state news agency IRNA on Sunday that Nasr-Azadani is charged with rioting against authorities.

So, he’s been sentenced to death but no official sentence has been handed down because he has not yet gone to trial. Got it. Theocracy dictatorships seem to run on the whims of the leaders. Iran is no different. It all depends on what message is meant to be sent. The leaders in Iran are frustrated that the demonstrations continue and are growing and spreading across the country. The methods of breaking up the protests are escalating in brutality. Even in the face of harsh punishments and possible death sentences, the protesters persist.

The 26-year-old footballer, from the historic city of Esfahan, had played for the Iranian professional football clubs Rah-Ahan, Tractor and Gol Reyhan, reported London-based activist outlet IranWire.

Under Iran’s penal code, his sentence could carry the death penalty if proven that the accused had used a firearm, otherwise he could be sentenced to prison.

In a televised address, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised members of the Basij, the volunteer paramilitary wing of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard, for quashing protests. Two men have been publicly executed over the course of the last two weeks for participating in anti-regime protests.

Other members of the soccer community are speaking out about Nasr-Azadani’s sentence.

Nasr-Azadani played for Iran’s national U-16 club and began his soccer career in Tehr with Rah-Ahan. He also spent three seasons with Tractor Sazi of Iran’s Pro League. Nasr-Azadani currently plays for FC Iranjavan Bushehr.

Former Iranian soccer star Ali Karimi came to Nasr-Azadani’s defense on social media.

“The voice of Amir Nasr Azadani is one of the victims of the power of the child-killing government,” Karimi tweeted. “Don’t execute Amir.”

Iranian soccer players have bravely joined with the anti-regime protesters, even from the World Cup competition in Qatar. In support of women’s rights, the team refused to sing the national anthem before its first match against England. However, the team did sing the anthem in the final two games. The regime applied pressure to the players and threatened their families if they didn’t behave. So, the players went back to singing the Iranian national anthem before their matches.

It would be nice if American leaders, including Sleepy Joe, would speak up and voice support for the brave Iranians seeking basic freedom. America used to stand for human rights and freedom. Times are different in Biden’s World. It’s a shame.