TEHRAN - Iran Wrestling Federation President Rasoul Khadem announced his retirement on Wednesday.

On February 23, the United World Wrestling Disciplinary Chamber (WWDC) banned Iranian wrestler Alireza Karimi from competition for six months, and his coach Hamidreza Jamshidi for two years after the wrestler deliberately lost a bout to avoid facing an opponent from the Zionist regime.

Iran does not recognize Israel, and Iranian athletes do not compete against Israelis in international sporting events.

Afterwards, Khadem said authorities should reconsider their policy of not allowing Iranian athletes to compete against Israelis.