Frames the Iranian national football team as a political instrument of the state rather than a neutral sports entity
Selective emphasis on political control over athletes (e.g., Azmoun's exclusion, Javahery's 'Team Islamic Republic' quote) and lack of counterbalancing coverage of team autonomy despite Taremi’s statement of apolitical intent.
““This is not ‘Team Melli,’” as the national team is known in Persian, Javahery said. “This is Team Islamic Republic.””
