SAEDNEWS: Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Danyamali, has revealed that referee Alireza Faghani’s decision to share and proudly caption a photo of himself receiving a medal on social media provoked widespread anger, especially in light of recent national sacrifices.
SaedNews: Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Danyamali, told Mehr News Agency that Alireza Faghani’s social‑media post—featuring the moment he received his medal and celebrating it with pride—has sparked sharp criticism across the country.
Danyamali commented on the controversy surrounding the Iranian referee’s interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Club World Cup final:
“Considering the 12‑day war and the martyrdom of 1,100 compatriots, we expected Mr Faghani to show, in some way, a sense of solidarity as an Iranian,” he said.
He added:
“It doesn’t really matter that he won a medal. What angered many was that he posted that photo online and spoke of it with pride.”
Danyamali acknowledged Faghani’s service to the nation:
“Mr Faghani has been one of our own—he has worked hard and has always been honored here. Although he now holds another nationality, he remains an Iranian who has sacrificed much in refereeing at the highest levels, and upon whom the country has invested.”
Referring to the recent hostilities:
“Given the hardships inflicted on our country by the Zionist regime—led by the U.S. and under Trump’s orders—whether through the martyrdom of General Qasem Soleimani or the attacks on our homeland, which our people decisively repelled, I hope that Mr Faghani will find a way to manage his public image more carefully. I trust he will learn from this experience.”
