An Iranian international footballer has been arrested for criticising his country's government, state-linked media reported on Thursday.
Voria Ghafouri was arrested also for insulting Iran's national team, who are currently playing in the World Cup, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported.
The player was taken into custody at his club Foolad Khuzestan, where he is captain, on charges of having "tarnished the reputation of the national team and spread propaganda against the state", Fars said.
Ghafouri, who was not chosen to go to the World Cup, has been an outspoken critic of Iranian authorities and policies throughout his football career.
Iran has been the scene of anti-government protests for more than two months, the biggest challenge to its Islamic theocracy in more than a decade.
The demonstrations were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in morality police custody. Her family say she was beaten to death.
The state has arrested as many as 14,000 people since the start of the fresh wave of demonstrations in September, the UN found. Iran on Sunday sentenced a sixth person to death over the unrest, Tasnim reported.
Iran protests reach World Cup 2022 - in pictures
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Iranian football fans enjoy the build-up to the World Cup match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Monday. AP -
Some Iran fans indulged in pre-match face-painting. AP -
These Iranian fans spell it out before the match against England. AP -
An Iran fan looking pensive before kick-off. PA -
This Iran supporter sports his country's colours in the build-up to the World Cup match against England at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Monday. AFP -
A fan holds Iran's national flag and cheers before the game against England in Doha on Monday. AP -
Fans enjoying the atmosphere in the stadium. AP -
Iran fans spread a message on the world stage as the excitement builds. Getty
