IRGC Accused of Spying via Iran’s Soccer System
There’s a new report suggesting that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) may be utilizing the nation’s soccer framework to keep tabs on its citizens, which could also breach FIFA regulations.
The U.S. branch of the National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI) shared this information. This document allegedly details a scheme that integrates Iran’s football federation and prominent clubs into national security efforts. The report claims that at least 15 IRGC commanders are actively involved in overseeing football clubs.
According to the NCRI, which cites what is purported to be an official document from the IRGC, the organization is allegedly misusing positions within clubs and stadium security to violate rules regarding fan oversight, suppress dissenting athletes, and meddle in political affairs.
The report indicates that advanced technologies, like facial recognition systems, are reportedly being employed to monitor spectators. It references claimed internal security documents from Iran, including plans from the Tehran Provincial Security Council and security strategies from Salalah headquarters.
Details from these documents reveal that officials were discussing the use of facial recognition cameras in major stadiums like Azadi, Takti, and Shaare Quds. They also highlight a system where ticketing is linked to the National Civil Registration Database, which essentially tracks fans by their national ID numbers and coordinates their seats.
One section of the report stressed the importance of using surveillance cameras during matches at the Azadi Complex to increase security, suggesting that the risk of riots and civil unrest is significant.
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Iranian Football Federation and the Iranian Mission to the United Nations.
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NCRI-US operates as the U.S. wing of the Iranian opposition coalition aiming to replace the current regime with a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear government. The coalition claims that the information was obtained via an Iranian network linked to the People’s Mojahedin Organization (MEK), a significant opposition group that the Iranian government regards as a threat.
Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of NCRI-US, explained that their interest in monitoring stadiums originated from tracking how Iranian authorities identified protesters during recent upheavals.
“We started focusing on protests and got a clearer picture of the regime’s tactics,” Jafarzadeh noted. However, while examining a large volume of documents, they stumbled upon evidence showing the regime’s specific interest in sports as a means of oppression.
He pointed out that soccer stadiums provide rare opportunities for young people to gather and express themselves, but this makes them prime targets for authorities. Soccer, being Iran’s most beloved sport, sees major clubs like Persepolis and Esteghlal drawing in substantial crowds.
The report mentions a meeting from May 2025 that talks about installing facial recognition systems at several stadiums. It also claims that the surveillance project at Azadi Stadium “strongly relies” on collaboration with the football federation and mentions several notable officials, including the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj.
Moreover, subsequent discussions by the Tehran Provincial Security Council allegedly addressed advanced ticketing methods tied to the National Citizen Registry, mandatory identity checks, and enhanced security measures for fan leaders.
According to Jafarzadeh, the purpose behind gathering such information is to pinpoint regime opponents for potential arrests.
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The report claims that IRGC and security affiliates have been deeply entrenched in Iran’s soccer system for years. It identifies a list of at least 15 individuals who have held high-ranking positions within clubs or federations, asserting that many are linked to the IRGC. Notably, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mr. Taj, is highlighted as a former intelligence officer in the IRGC.
FIFA regulations require member associations to maintain independence and avoid influence from external parties. They also emphasize neutrality in political and religious matters.
Jafarzadeh likened the situation to the international sports sanctions against South Africa during apartheid, urging FIFA to expel the Iranian Football Federation.
He firmly stated, “Sports clubs cannot be under military control; these organizations need to operate independently.” His message to FIFA was loud and clear: take serious action against the IRGC’s influence.
FIFA has indicated that breaches of independence might lead to sanctions, even if the external pressures were not caused by the association itself.
The NCRI report also addresses systemic sexism in Iranian sports, particularly regarding women’s access to stadiums and restrictions on their uniforms. Human Rights Watch highlighted incidents where authorities barred women from entering a soccer venue in Mashhad. Yet, FIFA points out that there have been occasions where women were permitted to attend, though this remains inconsistent.
Human rights advocates continue to stress that women confront significant hurdles in accessing stadiums throughout Iran.
Documented cases reveal that Iranian athletes have faced harsh repercussions after voicing support for anti-government protests.
Historically notable, the case of former national soccer captain Habib Havili stands out. He was named in a UN report for having been executed in Iran. Arrested in 1983, he was allegedly tortured before his execution the following year.
Jafarzadeh emphasized Havili’s story as emblematic of the regime’s broader oppression against athletes, losing a promising soccer talent who refused to denounce his beliefs.
“He became a symbol of resistance,” Jafarzadeh stated, underscoring the tragic reality for many in Iranian sports today.
