Iranian nuclear negotiator files lawsuit against FIFA for losing World Cup match
Cecilia Castro
— · 2 min read
An Iranian political scientist accused by the federal government of being an unregistered agent for Tehran has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against FIFA, the organization's president Gianni Infantino, and undercover FIFA officials. Lotfola Kaveh Afrasiabi, who served as a member of Iran's nuclear negotiating team, is seeking class-action status, representing 91 million "Iranian nationals and/or Iranian-Americans" who have been emotionally traumatized by discrimination against their beloved football team.
They claim that FIFA's "VAR" system made a wrong decision in the game against Egypt on June 26, which cost the Iranian team a chance to win. The decision saw Egypt advance to the knockout stage for the first time, while Iran returned home.
Afrasiabi says FIFA's "VAR" system made the wrong decision, which was planned to prevent Iran from winning in opposition. Fox Sports tribune Jaltan Ibrahimovic called the decision a "stealing", requiring Iran to apologize after the game.
Afrasiabi said FIFA's actions convinced players and others that Iran had been "prevented from winning", making it a traumatic experience for them.
They said the $1 billion demand was "very generous," adding that they could consider a higher amount if it went to a fair jury.
Iran manager Amir Ghalenoi said his team was "the most pressing team in the whole World Cup".
FIFA has 60 days to respond to Afrasiabi's lawsuit.
