Carlos Queiroz backs his players in protests against the Iranian authorities

Iraq's manager has supported his squad in their objectives

Many prominent Iranians have come forward to express their solidarity for all the protesters who have raised their voices and taken to the streets of Iran against their government following the death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini in police custody, allegedly for violating Iran's strict rules of not covering her head with a hijab.

Since the protests against Iran's clerical leadership become lethal, players have also backed the protestors. Iran football coach Carlos Queiroz has emphasized that players are free to agitate for their country's women's rights while competing in the World Cup. 

While the government claims that these protests are "riots" instigated by enemies,

According to Iran's Human Rights violations, 326 protesters, including 43 children and 25 women, have been slain during the onslaught by security forces since the protest erupted.

The players are free to protest says Carlos Queiroz

Queiroz stressed that any protest must adhere to and be certified by World Cup standards. Iran's players covered their national team badges during two friendlies to demonstrate their support.

"The players are free to protest as they would if they were from any other country, as long as it conforms with the World Cup regulations and is in the spirit of the game," 

Queiroz said. "But you can also express yourself on the field in the game of football and the players have only one thing on their mind and that is to fight to qualify for the second round."

As a result, several countries, including Ukraine, have petitioned FIFA to exclude Iran from the World Cup owing to human rights violations and the supply of drones to Moscow in Russia's war on Ukraine.

Iran are in Group B with England, Wales, and the United States, and they will kick off their campaign against England on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium.