TEHRAN, Iran: Iran’s student news agency says the former head of Iran’s wrestling federation is asking the country’s diplomats to take responsibility and support athletes who refuse to compete against Israelis.
The government usually rewards athletes for such behavior but Rasoul Khadem says diplomats stop short of taking a position in the international sports community.
Saturday’s ISNA report quotes Khadem as saying Iran’s diplomats should defend the country’s political positions in sport. He resigned from his position this week.
Israel and Iran are bitter adversaries and Iranian athletes traditionally refrain from competing against Israelis.
In November, an Iranian wrestler received a six-month ban by United World Wrestling after his manager ordered him to intentionally lose to avoid facing an Israeli wrestler. Iran’s sports ministry praised the athlete for supporting “human values.”
Iran’s former wrestling chief criticizes government
Iran’s former wrestling chief criticizes government
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
