Do NOT ban Iran from World Cup

Recently there have been calls from politicians to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Some have been specific in their demands, specifically calling for the Irans National Football Team to be banned from participating in the upcoming World Cup competition in Germany. We, the undersigned, are alarmed at the prospect of mixing a sporting event with the world of politics.

Irans coaching staff and players are professionals who have dedicated their lives to the sport of football, not politics. They have worked hard for the past four years, and despite many obstacles, have managed to qualify for the finals of the competition. For many on the team, this will represent the last time they will ever play in the finals. We, the undersigned, are concerned that the banning of Irans National Team will first and foremost be harmful to the individual players and staff, effectively destroying the fruits of years of hard work by professional footballers, who, again, have nothing to do with politics.

Likewise, the banning of Irans National Team will hurt the individual fans, many of who have passionately followed the toils and triumphs of the team for years. These fans come from different ethnic backgrounds, religions, socioeconomic classes, countries, and political affiliations. We, the undersigned, are concerned that the banning of Irans National Team will be harmful to the individual fans, who support their national team, not for political reasons, but because the team belongs to them and they to the team.

Finally, we are concerned about the precedent of such an action. The game of football is between two teams, with one ball, on one pitch. It is a simple game, yet elegant, and like all sports, when it aspires to such heights as the World Cup Finals, it represents not only an ideal, but also a form of beauty. Traditionally, the World Cup Finals is a time when people of the world come together. It would be a shame for such an event to be marred by politics.

Please take a moment to consider the results of the proposed actions. I sincerely doubt that the purpose of such a ban is to hurt the individual football players and fans of the team, but that is precisely the result of the ban. We implore you not to contaminate sports with a political act, do not ban Irans National Team from the World Cup Finals. We, the undersigned,