Iran seizes assets of 'Asian Maradona' after former Bayern Munich star was branded a 'traitor' to his country for 'supporting the enemy'

Former Bayern Munich and Iran star Ali Karimi has reportedly had his assets seized by the Islamic Republic after apparent criticism of the regime in the country.

Karimi, nicknamed the 'Asian Maradona' after Argentina legend Diego, played for Bayern Munich between 2005 and 2007, while he also featured for the likes of Al-Ahli and Schalke.

He retired from playing in 2014, going on to coach clubs in his home country, while he was also the assistant manager of the national team in 2014.

Most famously, however, he has 127 caps for the team as a player - the fourth-most in Iran history.

But, according to RMC Sport, he has had six properties seized, after seemingly giving support to protestors on social media.

The Mizan, a website which acts as a mouthpiece of the judiciary in Iran, said Karimi is a 'traitor to the nation who has actively supported the enemy in recent years.'

Iran have reportedly seized the assets of former Bayern Munich and Iran star Ali Karimi (left)

Iran have reportedly seized the assets of former Bayern Munich and Iran star Ali Karimi (left)

It added that four houses and two commercial properties belonging to the 47-year-old 'have been identified and seized by court order, in the interest of the Iranian people.'

Karimi, who no longer lives in Iran, has not responded to the report.

It is reported that, in 2022 and while living in the United Arab Emirates, Karimi was prosecuted after 'encouraging' protests against the death of Mahsa Amini - a woman who died in custody after being arrested for violating the dress code.

Elsewhere, a number of other assets have been frozen of people who have been deemed 'traitors' by Iran since the start of the war in the Middle East. They also include Zahra Ghanbari, captain of the women's national team, after she applied for asylum in Australia.

She later regained her assets after withdrawing her application. Five other members of the team had applied for asylum in the country, with two ultimately remaining there.