Iranian Football Players Threatened Ahead of Game Against the US, CNN Reports

Relatives of Iranian football players are reportedly facing threats of imprisonment and torture if the players do not "perform well" ahead of the upcoming World Cup match against the United States, according to a source connected to the tournament's security services, as reported by CNN.

It is noted that after the Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem during their first game against England on November 21, they were summoned for a meeting with members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the source, they were warned that their families would face "violence and torture" if they did not sing the national anthem or participated in any political protests against the country's authorities.

The source also indicated that Iranian national team coach Carlos Queiroz had a separate meeting with IRGC officials following the threats directed at the players and their families. The content of that alleged conversation remains undisclosed.

Later, Queiroz stated that Iranian players could protest during the World Cup, but only within the framework of FIFA regulations.