FIFA has fined Iran and warned the country’s soccer body for allowing ‘several religious manifestations’ during a recent World Cup qualifying game in Tehran.
Soccer’s world governing body said in a statement on November 3 that Iran was fined 45,000 Swiss francs (about $46,000) for holding a ‘religious ceremony’ before its October 11 game against South Korea and again at halftime.
The Iranian soccer federation was also cited for using a drone during the ceremony and for ‘improper conduct among spectators’ for their display of a banner that had religious content on it.
Iran was also fined 40,000 Swiss francs (about $41,000) for team misconduct, improper conduct by its fans, and for allowing unauthorized personnel to enter the field.
The sanctions against Iran were just a few of several fines and warnings doled out by FIFA to 10 countries for various acts of misbehavior, usually involving a team’s fans.
Source: Agencies, 4 Nov. 2016
