Iran detains two over alleged witchcraft links in football

The Iranian Football Federation has confirmed that two individuals have been detained in connection with alleged witchcraft-related activities in football, while more than 50 others have been summoned for questioning.

Federation spokesperson Emir Mehdi Alevi, speaking on state television, said the arrests followed claims that the individuals had contacted a so-called “sorcerer.”

“Two people who admitted reaching out to a magician have been taken into custody,” Alevi stated. He added that over 50 people have been called in to give testimony, stressing that such incidents must not be allowed to undermine the passion for football in the country.

The announcement comes amid growing controversy in Iranian football over alleged use of witchcraft. Earlier this year, local media reported that four coaches had been dismissed from their positions due to suspected involvement in similar practices.

In recent years, players and coaches in Iran have occasionally accused rivals of employing sorcery, claiming that spells were cast on football pitches or that some clubs had even signed annual contracts with so-called magicians.