'This is not our national team' - why some Iranians want their own country banned from World Cup

The flag of Iran. (AP Photo/Florian Schroetter, FILE)

A group of current and former Iranian sportspeople say they have no choice but to turn on their own country, citing what they called state-sponsored violence and discrimination against ordinary Iranians, especially women.

The group, containing former champions in sports such as karate, judo and wrestling, including those living in exile and based in their homeland, are taking a stand.