Ali Daei

Ali Daei, widely considered to be one of Iran's greatest-ever soccer players, has spoken out against the regime in his country and said he won't be attending the World Cup in Qatar as he stands with protesters.

The 53-year-old former player and businessman, who is Iran's record goalscorer, issued a statement on his social media pages in which he said that he would be staying at home with his family.

He also expressed sympathy for those who have lost loved ones as protests against the regime in Iran continues to intensify.

The Islamic Republic seal his gallery and restaurant for being closed due to strikes