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| Saeid Mozaffarizadeh, Executive Director of Tractor Club, Demands Action Against Racist Chants from Iranian Football Federation |
The Executive Director of Tractor Club, Saeid Mozaffarizadeh, stated in an interview with the club’s official media that the events that occurred during the team’s recent match against Persepolis at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium would be closely monitored.
Mozaffarizadeh emphasized that "there is no justification for racist chants and ethnic insults, and we will not accept any compromises on this matter." He spoke about the club's complaint to the Iranian Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee and the Football League Organization, stressing that "a one- or two-match ban" would not be enough to address the issue, and that the federation "must resolve this problem once and for all and take substantial measures."
Mozaffarizadeh emphasized that those responsible must take decisive steps to fight against racist chants and ethnic insults. He also stated that if no results are achieved from domestic bodies, the issue would be escalated to FIFA. He added, "FIFA has the full power and resources to handle this matter and can easily resolve the problem at its root."
The Executive Director of Tractor Club also addressed the issue of discrimination and double standards in the country, drawing attention to the events related to ATA Airlines’ Turkish-language welcome at the airport: "It’s strange that some individuals recently labeled ATA Airlines as 'pan-Turkic' for welcoming passengers in Turkish. However, these same individuals now turn a blind eye to the national television host greeting the new head coach [Ismail Kartal] of the Tehran club in a foreign language. Such behavior serves the enemy’s agenda, and these individuals are either deliberately or unknowingly targeting national unity and solidarity."
Mozaffarizadeh's comments refer to the criticism from some media and political circles of ATA Airlines, owned by Tractor Club's owner Mohammadreza Zonuzi, for the Turkish-language welcome announcements on flights related to Tabriz. These circles considered the behavior to be against the country's laws and targeted the company and Zonuzi personally.
The Executive Director of Tractor Club also criticized the country's media for not addressing the "racist chants and ethnic insults" from Tehran-based club supporters. He condemned media representatives for their double standards.
Saeid Mozaffarizadeh added that all necessary documents had been gathered, and the issue would first be addressed through domestic organizations. He stated that they expected to see results within a week or 10 days. If no results are achieved or if there are delays, the club will continue its complaint through FIFA and international bodies.
Link to the original text in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
Traktor klubunun icraçı direktoru İran Futbol Federasiyasından irqçi şüarlara qarşı tədbir görülməsini tələb edib