Iran condemns its soccer players for match with Israeli team
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2014 file photo, Iranian soccer supporters wave their country's flag while following a friendly match between Iran and South Korea at the Azadi, (freedom) stadium in Tehran, Iran. Iranian authorities have partially lifted a ban on women attending men's sports matches, a senior sports official said Saturday, April 4, 2015. The announcement comes after FIFA President Sepp Blatter urged Iran last month to end the "intolerable" ban on women watching football in stadiums. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File) (The Associated Press)
Iranian semi-official Fars news agency says the country's soccer federation is condemning two Iranians who play for a Greek team for participating in a match against an Israeli team.
The Friday report says the federation "strongly condemns" the participation of Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Hajsafi in a match for Greece's Panionios against Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv a day earlier in Greece.
Israel and Iran are bitter adversaries and traditionally, Iranian athletes refrain from playing Israelis and consider it taboo. Iran's government usually rewards such behavior.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The statement said the federation is reviewing the case and will make a final decision after speaking with both players. At a previous match against Maccabi in Tel Aviv, both refused to play.
Iran does not recognize Israel and supports militant groups against it.