IFCPF Imposes Sanctions On Iran Federation After Pattern Of Intentional Misrepresentation

Conditional suspension imposed; sweeping reforms required to restore trust

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (Sept. 4, 2025) – The International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF) has sanctioned the Islamic Republic Iran Sports Federation for the Enabled (IRISFE) following multiple confirmed cases of Intentional Misrepresentation among registered players.
 

The cases, recently accepted by IRISFE, represent a troubling pattern that IFCPF has determined reflects systemic issues rather than isolated incidents.

“To safeguard the integrity of our sport, IFCPF must act decisively when repeated violations occur,” said Ashley Hammond, CEO of IFCPF. “Our goal is to protect athletes, restore fairness, and ensure trust in every competition.”

Sanctions Summary

Conditional Suspension – IRISFE faces suspension from IFCPF events for up to three years. The sanction is conditionally suspended, subject to full compliance with IFCPF requirements.
 

Amnesty Period – IRISFE has a limited window to disclose any additional violations. Reduced penalties will apply to players declared during this period.
 

Comprehensive Review – At the conclusion of the amnesty, IFCPF will conduct a full review of IRISFE players. Additional violations may result in extended sanctions.
 

Right to Appeal – IRISFE may appeal this decision upon payment of an appeal fee to be set, which would trigger an independent panel review.
 

About Classification in CP Football

CP football is played by athletes with cerebral palsy, brain injury, or stroke. To ensure fair competition, players are evaluated and placed into one of three sport classes based on how their impairment affects football performance. Each team must field a mix of players from across these classes, ensuring balance and inclusion on the pitch.

Intentional Misrepresentation is when an athlete deliberately misrepresents their abilities or impairment during classification or afterward. This undermines fair play by placing players in classes that do not reflect their true level of impairment. IFCPF considers this a serious disciplinary offense because it threatens the integrity of competition.

Upholding Fair Play

The IFCPF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all member federations operate under the same principles of integrity and transparency.

“CP football is built on trust, inclusion, and fair play. This decision sends a clear message to all federations: classification integrity is non-negotiable,” Hammond added. “We will continue to hold every federation accountable to these standards.”

For more information about IFCPF and CP football around the world, visit www.ifcpf.com or follow @IFCPF on social media.

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Note to editors: Interviews will be considered upon request. 

Media Contact:
Rachel Crumbley
Director of Media Relations
Email: rcrumbley@ifcpf.com

About the International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF)
The International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF) is the global governing body for Cerebral Palsy Football (Football 7-a-side), advocating for the sport’s growth worldwide since gaining independence from CPISRA in 2015. IFCPF oversees international tournaments, development programs, classification, and advocacy for athletes with cerebral palsy, brain injury, or stroke.

Learn more about CP Football: Watch here.