As Cristiano Ronaldo and other foreign football players prepare to visit Tehran, the Iranian government is planning to give them special sim cards that will allow them to access the internet without restriction.
This extraordinary gesture not only demonstrates the power of technology but also underscores Iran’s recognition of Ronaldo’s global influence. Persepolis FC will face Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in an AFC Champions League tie next week in Tehran.
The special SIM card will allow the players to use social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, which are banned in Iran. It will also help the players communicate with their families and fans.
”I have spoken with the CEO of [major mobile carrier] Irancell, and I told him we want to give players and personnel Irancell SIM cards with unrestricted internet so they can use it from the time they enter Iran till the time they leave, ”Reza Darvish, the president of Persepolis FC said.
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Many Iranians were angered by this move who see it as a sign of hypocrisy and discrimination by the authorities. Some people took to social media to express their anger and frustration, using hashtags such as #RonaldoSIMCard, #Internet4All and #FreeIranianInternet.
The internet in Iran is heavily restricted, and tens of thousands of websites and all major global messaging and social media platforms are blocked. The government claims that the censorship is necessary to protect national security, public morality and Islamic values.
Neymar and Karim Benzema are also poised to grace Iranian soil with their respective teams, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, scheduled to face Nassaji Mazandaran and Sepahan on Oct. 2 and 3
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