Iranian negotiator files $1 billion lawsuit against FIFA over World Cup loss
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 7:19 PM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
Lotfolah Kaveh Afrasiabi has initiated a $1 billion class-action lawsuit against FIFA following Iran's elimination from the World Cup by Egypt due to a disputed call. Afrasiabi, a political scientist recently pardoned after a prisoner swap, claims that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system made an erroneous decision by disallowing a goal that led to a tie in the match on June 26. He argues that this decision reflects a 'double standard' against Iranian players. Afrasiabi represents up to 91 million Iranians and Iranian-Americans who he asserts were emotionally affected by the result. A court filing was made on June 30 in federal court.
- •Afrasiabi claims FIFA's VAR decision was erroneous and discriminatory.
- •The match on June 26 ended in a 1-1 tie, eliminating Iran.
- •Afrasiabi seeks class-action status for affected Iranian supporters.
- •He was previously arrested for failing to register as a foreign agent.
- •A ruling on the case may impact how FIFA handles similar disputes.
- 7:19 PMYahoo Sports — Pardoned Iranian nuclear negotiator sues FIFA over team’s World Cup loss against Egypt
"Exclusive: Lotfolah Kaveh Afrasiabi, who was part of a 2023 prisoner swap with Iran, told The Independent that he considers his $1 billion demand to be ‘very generous,’ if not a bit low
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