JEDDAH: Iranian authorities have detained several unidentified top-tier football players in east Tehran for attending a mixed-gender party and consuming alcohol in violation of the country’s law, Iranian media reported on Sunday.
The country’s Islamic laws prohibit people from mingling or dancing with the opposite gender outside of marriage or drinking alcohol. However, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol for religious purposes.
On Sunday, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that several footballers had been taken into custody for violating the law.
“Several current and former players of one of Tehran’s prominent football clubs were arrested at a mixed party in the city of Damavand, the news agency said. “Some of these players were in an abnormal state due to alcohol consumption.”
The Young Journalists Club, another Iranian news agency, reported that the footballers had gathered to celebrate a birthday party, adding that all those detained had been released except for one person, who is not a footballer.
Meanwhile, Fars News Agency, citing a prosecutor, said a case had been filed against those who had been detained, and details would be released later.
There was no immediate comment from the Iranian Football Federation.
Over the last few months, the Iranian regime has been rocked by unrest since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, in custody on Sept. 16 following her arrest for an alleged breach of the strict dress code for women.
Iranian officials say hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest, including members of the security forces, while thousands have been arrested.
A number of current and former footballers, as well as other athletes and prominent figures, have also been detained or questioned by the authorities after voicing support for the protesters.
