FIFA Seeks Iran FA Response Over Anti-Kurd Chants

Interview-based report

Wellington / October 30 — FIFA has formally given the Iran Football Federation (IFF) a 90-day deadline to respond to allegations of racist chants and incitement to ethnic cleansing against Kurds in Iranian football stadiums, according to international lawyer Faraz Firoozi.

Speaking to Rojhelat News on Friday, October 30, Firoozi said he was officially informed by FIFA via email that the global football governing body has requested a detailed explanation from the Iranian federation regarding repeated incidents of racist slogans and chants targeting Kurds during football matches.

“The 90-day deadline officially began on October 13,” Firoozi explained. “During this period, the Iran Football Federation is required to submit a formal response and clarification to FIFA regarding these incidents.”

FIFA Investigation Pending Iran’s Response
Firoozi, who prepared and submitted the original complaint to FIFA, said that the case has already been registered and opened within FIFA’s disciplinary framework. However, under FIFA regulations, the accused party must first be given a three-month opportunity to respond.

“If the Iranian Football Federation fails to respond within this timeframe, or if FIFA finds their explanation unsatisfactory, FIFA will initiate its own independent investigation directly,” Firoozi said.

He added that FIFA’s current position reflects procedural obligations rather than a lack of seriousness. “The file is active. FIFA is following its legal process.”

Evidence of Racist Chants in Stadiums
According to Firoozi, the complaint was supported by extensive evidence, including documentation of racist chants at several stadiums. He highlighted one match in particular — between Navad Urmia and Nassaji Mazandaran — where fans allegedly chanted slogans calling for the removal and ethnic cleansing of Kurds.

“These were not isolated incidents,” Firoozi said. “The chants were explicitly racist and directly incited violence and exclusion against Kurds.”

Based on this documentation, FIFA formally launched its preliminary review, which led to the current demand for an official explanation from the Iranian federation.

Potential Consequences
While FIFA has not yet announced potential sanctions, Firoozi noted that failure to cooperate or continued violations could lead to disciplinary measures under FIFA’s anti-discrimination regulations.

“This process is not symbolic,” he said. “FIFA’s statutes are clear when it comes to racism and discrimination. If the violations are confirmed, consequences will follow.”

Awaiting FIFA’s Next Move
For now, all eyes remain on the Iranian Football Federation’s response within the 90-day deadline. If the federation complies and satisfies FIFA’s concerns, the case may remain at the explanatory stage. If not, the matter could escalate into a full disciplinary investigation.

“This is about accountability,” Firoozi concluded. “Football cannot be a platform for racism or calls for ethnic cleansing — anywhere.”

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