One of the most popular figures in Iran, the former Team Melli captain and Persepolis forward is being censored by the regime for his views on social issues that are not compatible with the fundamentalist regime’s doctrines.

The official media in Iran was directed to blacklist Ali Karimi which means that he will not be allowed to appear on TV or on the Radio, and not quoted in official publications while the TV has been instructed not to broadcast any images or clips of the footballer.

Adding to that, in true retribution, the regime that has zero tolerance for any shape of expression that questions its principles, ruled to take down any billboards with Ali Karimi’s image.

This all started when Ali Karimi, a known figure in supporting local causes and a charity supporter, urged the people of Iran to channel their “Nazr” towards real charity aid and support causes like medical care of patients who are unable to pay hospital bills and/or medication.

“Nazr” is a religious donation routed to the religious hierarchy. It supports the Mullah’s affairs and provides salaries and payouts to regime loyalists. There is no record that any money from “Nazr” donation has ever been channeled to proper charity or the needy in Iran.

This comment irritated the powerful religious institution, which found it a threat to an established religious practice for centuries. Karimi’s call also alerted many people in Iran to where these donations end up (in the clergy’s pockets). A certain clergy has the audacity to bad mouth, Ali Karimi, on a tribune calling him a Stupid, shameless, and ignorant man who has benefited from the public coffers without returning anything back to society.

The facts and truth are quite different. Ali Karimi made all his fortune outside Iran starting in UAE with Al-Ahli then moving on to Germany with Bayern Munich and finally Qatar. Karimi has been at the forefront of many charity works in Iran including providing tablets for rural students during the covid lockdown.

The voice of Ali Karimi and his popularity has shocked the regime, it has pushed thousands of Iranians to air support for him on social media and denounce the evil clergy who bad-mouthed the Wizard of Tehran”.