Another Iranian Athlete Executed—The IOC and IFs Must Suspend Iran from International Sport
19 March 2026: Global Athlete calls on the International Olympic Committee and all International Federations to immediately suspend the Iranian National Olympic Committee and all Iranian national sport organizations following the tragic execution of 19-year-old champion wrestler, Saleh Mohammadi, for peacefully protesting the Khamenei regime.
Sporting leaders cannot remain idle. Five years ago, athletes and human rights organizations called for Iran’s suspension from international sport following the Iranian regime’s execution of another peaceful protester and wrestler, Navid Afkari.
Just last week, members of the Iranian women’s football team and their families were threatened for failing to obey orders from the regime. Some athletes sought asylum in Australia, only to face further intimidation and threats to their lives—resulting in many being forced to succumb to the regime’s pressure.
Tragically, other Iranian athletes are currently at risk of execution simply for peacefully protesting a totalitarian regime.
The International Olympic Committee must immediately implement sanctions to expel Iran from international sport in response to these heinous executions. The actions of the Iranian government constitute a clear breach of fundamental human rights and the principles of the Olympic Charter; such acts cannot go unpunished.
In Iran, there is no separation between the state and sport. By executing athletes, this government has forfeited any privilege of participation in international sport.
The IOC must act swiftly before another innocent athlete loses their life. Lives are at stake, and failure to act will leave the entire Olympic Movement complicit.