Public controversy over the reported 2009 green-wristband protest and ban
Coverage of national-team players including Ali Karimi wearing green wristbands in Seoul and later reports that authorities forced a national-team retirement or ban.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Reported green wristbands in Iran vs South Korea - Associated Press coverage carried by The Independent reported that captain Ali Karimi and other Iran players wore green wristbands - the opposition color linked to Mir Hossein Mousavi - during a World Cup qualifier in Seoul. Iran World Cup players use match to denounce poll
- Guardian: reported lifetime ban after green wristbands - The Guardian reported that pro-government newspaper Iran said Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia and two teammates had been "retired" from the national team after the green-wristband gesture, describing the move as retaliation. Iran bans election protest footballers
- FIFA seeks clarification on reported player punishments - Iran Focus republishing AFP reported that FIFA wrote to Iran's football federation asking for answers about press reports that players including Ali Karimi were punished after wearing green wristbands. FIFA demand clarification on Iran football punishment