How do Iranian fans reconcile patriotism for Team Melli with criticism of its management?

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Iranian fans back Team Melli as patriotism even while criticising the team’s management
Hundreds of Iranian fans watching Iran play Belgium at Tehran Book Garden said they separate support for the national players from frustration with football administrators. Even when they cite controversies involving political and military-linked appointments and technical choices such as leaving out star striker Sardar Azmoun, many still treat backing Team Melli as an act of patriotism rather than endorsement of those running the sport. For the 0-0 match, supporters and critics said they focused on the game together, even as divisions remained at home.
Fans distinguish players from officials when explaining their support
Several fans described anger directed at those in charge of football while continuing to support the players wearing the national jersey. Amir Hossein Rahimi said he was “disappointed with a number of issues” including the failure to include Sardar Azmoun, yet he still stressed that the national team is “of our country” and that support persists. Roza Assari similarly framed support as national pride, saying Iranians “support our team no matter what” and want to see it win.
Criticism centres on management decisions and politically connected appointments
Supporters who expressed mixed feelings pointed to controversies around how senior sporting officials are chosen and how technical decisions are made. The dissatisfaction included complaints about appointing officials with political or military backgrounds to senior sporting roles, alongside questioning player selection choices such as not including Sardar Azmoun. These criticisms, fans said, have become common in social media and sports talk shows, reflecting ongoing debate rather than a one-off reaction.
Sports-politics separation is part of the reconciliation
Some fans argued that national teams and politics should not be blended, even when politics is present in public life. Roza Assari said “sports should not be mixed up with politics,” describing national teams as aiming to achieve “good standing” for the country. This view allows fans to oppose or criticise football governance while still cheering the team during international matches.
Travel restrictions and unequal circumstances intensify sympathy during matches
The reconciliation also intensified after supporters faced restrictions travelling to the United States, leaving many Iranian fans unable to attend matches in person. Fans said stadium seats that might have been filled by Iranians were instead occupied by neutrals or diaspora members, and some spectators said the restrictions made them more sympathetic toward Team Melli because playing without supporters is difficult. Others pointed to logistical strain linked to Iran’s World Cup base in Tijuana, Mexico, and officials’ complaints about long-distance travel, with one fan calling the situation “unequal.”

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How do Iranian fans reconcile patriotism for Team Melli with criticism of its management?

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