Star forward reportedly dropped from World Cup squad over social media post

The star forward's exclusion from Iran's World Cup squad reportedly stems from a controversial social media post that ruffled feathers with Iranian authorities. Coach Amir Ghalenoei made the decision to drop the player, possibly fearing repercussions from the government over the post's perceived dissent during a time of national tension. This move underscores the precarious balance between sports and politics, especially in countries where government oversight extends into athletes' personal lives. The fallout could impact team morale and the broader perception of freedom for athletes in Iran.