Qatar is cooperating with Iran in trying to control what the media covers World Cup in an attempt to ensure that the event would benefit the Iranian regime.
An audio recording obtained by Iran International reportedly contains discussions between a Revolutionary Guard The general and a group of media executives linked to the Revolutionary Guard are discussing how to ensure that the world’s largest sports even portrays Tehran in a positive light, the newspaper reported on Sunday.
In the recording, which Iran International reports was made on November 15, General Ghasem Ghareishi tells the group that “anti-revolutionaries” bought “5,330 tickets” for the World Cup, adding that “our guys checked the list of ticket holders and at least 500 people “, who bought tickets, are known opponents of the regime.
Horesishi seems to be referring authorities in Qatar, who reportedly shared with IRGC a list of Iran’s ticket purchases. However, Garesishi also expressed his disappointment with the Qatari authorities when asked if the rumors about canceling the tickets were true, saying that the country had not fully followed through on the promise.
MANY IRANIANS WISH US TO WIN THE WORLD CUP AMID CONTINUING PROTESTS
A soccer fan holds an Iranian flag before the FIFA World Cup Group B match between Wales and Iran at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
(AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
“Qatar has two different behaviors with us – one is a positive response and it has promised to do so [cancel tickets]but usually they don’t deliver completely,” he said in the recording. “They told us to give us names [of unwanted people]and we will resolve the matter.’
Gharesishi also expressed disappointment that Qatar had not yet banned Iran International from covering the World Cup, although another person present at the meeting interrupted the general to say that the channel had announced that Qatar had banned them from covering the event. Goreishi expressed surprise at the development, saying Iran had discussed the issue with Qatar “the day before.”
Iran International, which has often reported news unflattering to the Iranian regime, announced earlier this month that its journalists and Television group was suspended from the World Cup.
Ghareshi’s post goes on to boast that Qatar has agreed to control the stadium crowd by banning flags other than the official flag of the Islamic Republic.
Two riot police officers wave Iranian flags during a street celebration after Iran defeated Wales at the Qatar World Cup in Sadeghiye Square in Tehran, Iran.
(AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
WORLD CUP 2022: IRANIAN PLAYERS KEEP SILENCE DURING THE ANTHEM TO SUPPORT THE COACHES BACK HOME
Qatar reportedly followed through on that promise during Iran’s second World Cup game against Wales, when stadium security stopped people with flags such as Iran’s ancient lion and sun flag or a simple tricolor flag. Some of those spectators with unauthorized flags were reportedly even detained by the Qatari police.
A report is coming amid protests that have rattled the Iranian regime in recent months, with the country’s authorities worried that the protests could spill over into the World Cup, where anti-regime spectators could display signs or behave in ways that would be broadcast to fans back home.
Ghareshi admitted on the tape that Iran paid for pro-government fans in Qatar to attend games and show support for the regime.
Iranian police arrive to disperse a protest to mark 40 days since the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose tragedy sparked Iran’s largest anti-government movement in more than a decade, in Tehran, Iran.
(AP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
Despite the efforts, some spectators who attended the games in Iran were heard chanting chants against the regime and booed during the Islamic Republic anthem.
The United States will play Iran on Tuesday at 2:00 PM ET on Fox.
