I.R. Iran has imposed restrictions on athletes foreign travels

IranPressNews.com

According to reliable sources, from the beginning of July, every Iranian athlete who wants to go abroad to compete internationally or join some sort of training program must contend with an endless series of restrictions and sanctions imposed on himself and his family. These were set by the Director in charge of physical fitness, within the Iranian Ministry of Education, under direct orders originating from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's Bureau. Every athlete must now deposit huge monetary securities before departure.

If he is lacking finances he is forced to deposit his or his family's property as collateral. Prior to departure, the athlete must first present himself at one of the Ministry of Intelligence's offices, where he is required to fill in numerous forms. Then, he is comprehensively debriefed on prohibitions which apply to him during his stay abroad.

On this occasion he is also told what punitive measures will be taken against him and his family if he violates any of these prohibitions and/or if he takes any steps against the regime or even one that can be perceived as an anti-regime act or expression. The punitive measures include the confiscation of private and/or family property, demolition of the athlete's family homes, detention of the athlete upon his return to Iran and his trial or detention of his family until he returns to serve his sentence.

The sanctions and restrictions imposed on the Iranian athletes reportedly stem from the appearance of some of Iran's National Football team members on June 17th in South Korea. There, during the pre-world cup qualifying games, these players publically demonstrated their silent solidarity with Mousavi, by wearing green arm bands - the propaganda colors of Mousavi's campaign.

The Leader's Bureau directive to the Director in charge of physical fitness within the Iranian Ministry of Education to impose the sanctions and restrictions on athletes were triggered off by Supreme Leader Khamenei's subsequently voiced concern over the fact that these athletes are a symbol, representing Iran and the Islamic revolution. Added to this is of course the scathing humiliation of Ahmadinejad (an enthusiastic supporter of Iranian football) who felt betrayed by the team member's action.