According to a report from British outlet *Daily Mail*, former Bayern Munich player and Iranian national team icon Ali Karimi recently had multiple assets seized by the Iranian government. The move comes after he was accused of criticizing authorities over domestic political issues and expressing support for protesters on social media.
Now 47 years old, Karimi was famously known as the “Asian Maradona” for his flashy playing style and technical brilliance. He played for Bayern Munich from 2005 to 2007 and also featured for clubs like Schalke 04 during his career.
Karimi retired from professional football in 2014 and later worked as a coach in Iran, even serving as an assistant coach for the national team. During his playing days, he earned 127 caps for Iran, making him the fourth-most capped player in the country’s history.
However, French outlet RMC Sport reports that Iranian authorities have now seized six properties belonging to Karimi, including four residential homes and two commercial units.
The Iranian judiciary-affiliated website “Mizan” labeled Karimi a “traitor to the country,” claiming he “has actively supported hostile forces in recent years.” The agency further stated that the assets “have been identified and confiscated by court order to protect the interests of the Iranian people.”
Reports indicate Karimi no longer resides in Iran and has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
In 2022, while living in the United Arab Emirates, Karimi was reportedly prosecuted for supporting protests in Iran via social media following the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being detained for allegedly violating dress codes. That incident sparked nationwide demonstrations.
Meanwhile, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran has also frozen assets of several individuals deemed “traitors,” including Zahra, the captain of the Iranian women’s national football team, who had applied for political asylum in Australia. Zahra later withdrew her application and had her assets restored. Five of her national team teammates filed similar requests, with two remaining in Australia and not returning.