ANTALYA, Turkey — The Iranian national soccer team paid tribute to the victims of a tragic missile strike on an elementary school during their match against Iran on Friday, with players carrying small backpacks as a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost.
Over 165 people, primarily children, were killed in a strike on February 28, which is believed to have been launched by the U.S. and hit the school in southern Iran.
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Both the United States and Israel have denied responsibility for the attack, which has drawn significant condemnation from the United Nations and various human rights organizations. The U.S. military is currently conducting an investigation and maintains that it does not target civilians.
During the national anthem on Friday, the Iranian players laid small pink and purple backpacks in front of them to honor the memories of the deceased children.
Footage from the ceremony also captured the players donning black armbands in remembrance of those who have lost their lives since the onset of the conflict.
The match took place in Antalya, southern Turkey, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory. This game served as a preparation for Iran ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Iran’s team is slated to compete in three group-stage matches in June within the U.S. The Iranian ambassador in Mexico City mentioned that the country requested FIFA to relocate these matches to Mexico after U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the team from participation due to safety concerns.
Officials from the Iranian government and soccer federation expressed their desire not to boycott the World Cup; however, they believe it is impossible for the national team to attend the U.S. due to military actions against Iran by Israel and the U.S.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dampened hopes for Iran to move their matches, stating that the organization intends for the tournament “to proceed as planned.”
In a related development on Friday, Iran’s judiciary issued threats to seize the property of soccer player Sardar Azmoun, as reported by two semi-official news agencies. This follows ominous statements from Iran’s hardline judiciary chief regarding plans to confiscate assets of public figures deemed critical of the government.