IRAN star Sardar Azmoun has insisted he is prepared to be axed from their World Cup squad after standing up for the repression of women in his home country.
The 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward went against instructions from the Iranian FA which forbode members of the squad from speaking out over the death of Mahsa Amini - who died in police custody.
Protests have taken place across the country, with two men ejected from a friendly against Uruguay last month after they held up an image of Amini.
Then last Tuesday, protestors made their voices known with a megaphone outside the stadium during a behind-closed-doors match against Senegal.
And Azmoun felt he could not ignore the situation, even if it cost him his place at the World Cup.
Speaking on Instagram he said: "Because of the national team rules we couldn’t say anything until the [World Cup training] camp was over. But I couldn’t bear it anymore.
"At worst I’ll be dismissed from the national team. No problem. I’d sacrifice that for one hair on the heads of Iranian women."
He continued: "This story will not be deleted. They can do whatever they want.
"Shame on you for killing so easily; long live Iranian women."
Varzesh Media, an Iranian-based sports news agency, praised Azmoun for his stance.
They said: "These past few days, like all of Iran, we were too heartbroken to write about sports.
"Football? What’s all the fuss about when these people pay such a high price for their most basic rights?
"Sardar Azmoun breaking rank was one of the bright lights of these nights.
"He reminds us that there are those still worthy of wearing the title ‘national’. We will never forget your goal, Mr. Azmoun."
Two of Azmoun's Iran team-mates, Alireza Biranvand and Majid Hosseini, also posted pictures and messages in support of the protests.
Iran will kick off their World Cup campaign against England on November 21.
Carlos Queiroz's men have also been drawn in a group alongside Wales and the USA.
