TEHRAN – The Embassy of Uruguay in Tehran hosted a ceremony on Tuesday to present the shirt of the Uruguayan national football team, along with shirts from two of the country’s most popular clubs, to Iranian football officials in a gesture of sporting friendship.
The event brought together officials from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, alongside representatives from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and ambassadors from several other countries accredited to Tehran.
The program opened with two short videos showcasing memorable goals scored by both the Uruguayan and Iranian national teams in various editions of the FIFA World Cup, offering attendees a glimpse into the footballing heritage of both nations.
Ambassador’s address
His Excellency Beraldo Roque Nicola, Ambassador of Uruguay to Iran, delivered the following remarks:
“Respected representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance,
Representatives of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors, Dear Friends;
Welcome all to the Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. It is a great honor for me to host you today and to hold the ceremony presenting the shirt of the Uruguayan national football team, as well as the shirts of two of this country’s most popular football clubs, namely Club Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol.
I would like to sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Society, Sports and Culture Association for their cooperation and support, which made this event possible.
In meetings I held with the esteemed Ministers of Sports and Youth and of Culture and Islamic Guidance, I shared with them the Embassy’s interest in organizing this program. The fact that both nations are passionate football followers and that our countries will participate in the FIFA World Cup this year provided fitting occasion to invite the Football Federation officials and present these shirts to them.
The Embassy of Uruguay offers this gesture of friendship with the hope that our nations may feel closer to one another through football—a sport immensely popular in both Uruguay and Iran.
We are joined today by ambassadors from friendly countries who share an interest in programs that foster positive, friendly relations and convergence between nations.
In the particular circumstances of recent months, it is more necessary than ever to remember that culture, art and sport can connect nations beyond borders and national differences.
I hope these shirts will find a place in a museum or football exhibition, and that this program marks the beginning of a constructive relationship—one within which the Embassy of Uruguay and the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran may plan and implement other joint activities serving the interests of both nations.
I thank you all for being here, and I extend special gratitude to the friend who coordinated this program and who assists us today with Spanish to Persian translation. I also thank Mr. Abbas Torabian, Sport Director of Esteghlal Football Club, for bringing gifts for the ambassadors present.
The shirts will now be presented to Mr. Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I then invite you to attend the reception prepared in honor of today’s distinguished guests. Thank you very much for your attention.”
Following the Ambassador’s address, Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered brief remarks.
Referring to the football capacities of the two countries, he expressed hope that the national teams of Iran and Uruguay would have successful performances in the upcoming global competitions, and that interactions between the two countries in the field of football would develop further. He emphasized the role of such meetings in strengthening sports and international relations.
Exchange of shirts
The formal shirt exchange ceremony then took place. Ambassador Nicola presented the Uruguayan national team shirt, along with shirts from Club Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol, to Mr. Taj. In return, Mr. Taj presented the Iranian national team shirt and a shirt from Esteghlal Football Club—one of Iran’s most popular teams—to the Ambassador.
Abbas Torabian, Sport Director of Esteghlal FC, subsequently presented gifts to the attending ambassadors.
Guests were invited to sign a commemorative board to mark the occasion.
Warm reception
The ceremony concluded with a reception hosted by Ambassador Nicola, where guests were treated to refreshments in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Each attendee received a commemorative gift from the Embassy as a souvenir of the occasion.
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