Iran footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani has reportedly been sentenced to execution because of his women's rights campaigns.

The distressing development has been condemned by many and even FIFPro, the worldwide representative organisation for 65,000 professional footballers, has criticised the Iranian government for passing such an order for the player, reports NDTV.

In a tweet criticising the order, FIFPro took to Twitter and wrote, "FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women's rights and basic freedom in his country. We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment."

Iran has seen a number of anti-government protests taking place across the country over the last few months, especially after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had refused to follow the country's Islamic dress code.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul