Iran fined for religious coercion of soccer fans

Iran have been fined by international soccer's governing body Fifa, after the Islamic dictatorship requested fans of the national team to sing religious chants and wear black at a World Cup qualifier in October.

Fifa said the 50,000 Swiss Franc fine was in response to the religious infraction on the sport, which forbids political, religious or (unsanctioned) commercial impact inside stadiums.

The match against South Korea fell on a Shi'ite day of mourning.

In related news, the English and Scottish national teams are set to defy Fifa's ban on the poppy, which symbolizes Remembrance Day in the UK and commonwealth, the annual commemoration to respect those who died in the line of duty.

It is unclear whether the English and Scottish Football Associations will receive similar punative measures as the Iranians.

Israel also has unfinished business with Fifa, after the United Nations reminded the organization in October that settler soccer teams are illegal, and urged the resolution of the existing dispute on the matter between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian FA is requesting the relocation or expulsion of the Israeli clubs.

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http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Iran-News/Iran-fined-for-religious-coercion-of-soccer-fans-471699