Petition to FIFA and Relevant U.S. Authorities Regarding Mohammad Mohebi’s Conduct During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
To:
- FIFA Disciplinary Committee
- FIFA Ethics and Compliance Division
- FIFA President and FIFA Council
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Authorities
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Petition Summary
We, the undersigned, respectfully call on FIFA and the appropriate United States authorities to immediately review the conduct of Iranian national team player Mohammad Mohebi following the Iran vs. New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2026 match held in Los Angeles.

Following Iran’s goal during the match, Mohammad Mohebi performed a celebration gesture that many spectators, viewers, and observers interpreted as simulating gunfire directed toward or in front of spectators. According to widespread public reactions, the gesture was perceived by many as intimidating, inflammatory, and inconsistent with the values of safety, sportsmanship, and respect expected at the world’s largest sporting event.

We respectfully request an immediate disciplinary review by FIFA and appropriate action if violations are found. We also request that relevant U.S. authorities review whether this incident raises any concerns relating to public safety, admissibility, or visa compliance under applicable U.S. law.

This petition is not about politics or nationality. It is about accountability, public safety, spectator respect, and ensuring that all players participating in the FIFA World Cup are held to the same professional standards.

What Happened
During the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Iran and New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Mohammad Mohebi scored and subsequently made a gesture that many observers interpreted as mimicking the firing of a gun.

The incident immediately generated concern among fans and online audiences because the gesture appeared to simulate violence during a globally broadcast event attended by spectators from around the world.

Regardless of intent, FIFA players competing on the world stage carry a heightened responsibility to avoid conduct that may reasonably be interpreted as threatening, provocative, intimidating, or glorifying violence.

Football should unite people — not create fear, hostility, or intimidation among spectators.

Why This Matter Requires Action
The FIFA World Cup is watched by billions of people worldwide, including children, families, refugees, victims of violence, and communities affected by war, political repression, terrorism, and gun violence.

Players competing in the tournament are not merely private individuals. They represent their country, their federation, and FIFA itself.

A gesture perceived as simulating gunfire inside a stadium raises legitimate concerns because it occurred:

During the FIFA World Cup;
On U.S. soil;
Before thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide;
In a highly sensitive public-safety environment;
During a globally regulated sporting competition expected to uphold standards of dignity and respect.
Even if the gesture was not intended as a threat, public perception, spectator impact, and FIFA’s standards of player conduct remain critically important.

Why FIFA Must Review This Incident
FIFA has a responsibility to protect the integrity, dignity, and safety of international football.

If a player’s conduct is reasonably perceived as threatening, provocative, or inconsistent with sportsmanship, FIFA should transparently review the incident and determine whether disciplinary rules or fair-play standards were violated.

A gesture interpreted as simulating gunfire may reasonably raise concerns related to:

Unsporting conduct;
Intimidation or provocation toward spectators;
Damage to the reputation and values of FIFA competitions;
Conduct inconsistent with safe, respectful, and inclusive football.
FIFA must demonstrate that disciplinary standards apply equally to all teams and players.

Our Requests to FIFA
We respectfully call on FIFA to:

1. Open an Immediate Disciplinary Investigation
Review all available match footage, security footage, broadcast angles, referee reports, photographs, and witness evidence regarding the incident.

2. Determine Whether FIFA Rules Were Violated
Assess whether Mohammad Mohebi’s conduct violated FIFA disciplinary, ethics, or fair-play standards.

3. Suspend Mohammad Mohebi if Misconduct Is Confirmed
If FIFA determines that misconduct occurred, impose appropriate sanctions, including suspension from further participation in FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

4. Review Team Responsibility
Conduct a broader review of the conduct and responsibility of the Iran national team and federation surrounding the incident and consider disciplinary measures if responsibility or repeated misconduct is established.

5. Publicly Address Weapon-Simulating Gestures
Clarify that gestures perceived as simulating gunfire, intimidation, or violence have no place in FIFA competitions.

Our Request to U.S. Authorities
Because this incident occurred in the United States during a major international sporting event, we respectfully request that relevant U.S. authorities review whether the incident raises any concerns relating to public safety, visa compliance, or future admissibility under applicable U.S. law.

If lawful concerns are identified, authorities should take any action they consider appropriate under existing legal standards.

Statement of Principle
The FIFA World Cup should be a place for unity, dignity, and respect — not fear, intimidation, or gestures perceived as glorifying violence.

Athletes may celebrate with passion. But celebrations that can reasonably be interpreted as simulating gunfire toward or in front of spectators risk crossing an important line at a global event watched by billions.

No player, regardless of nationality, should be above the standards expected of professional athletes representing football on the world stage.

Conclusion
We respectfully call on FIFA and the relevant U.S. authorities to take this matter seriously, investigate transparently, and ensure accountability where appropriate.

If violations are confirmed, FIFA should suspend Mohammad Mohebi from continued participation in the tournament and review whether broader disciplinary action is warranted.

Football must remain a sport defined by respect, safety, and dignity — for players and spectators alike.

Respectfully,
The Undersigned