Iranian football legend Khodadad Azizi has called for the sport to promote peace and remain separate from political tensions. Azizi, who participated in the historic 1998 World Cup match between Iran and the United States, shared these views in an interview with AFP. His comments come amid heightened geopolitical frictions surrounding the tournament. By emphasizing sportsmanship over national disputes, Azizi advocates for a neutral playing field. He believes football possesses a unique power to bridge divides between conflicting nations. The veteran player's perspective highlights the ongoing struggle to decouple international athletics from diplomatic strife. Ultimately, Azizi maintains that the spirit of the game should transcend political boundaries.