Iranian sports stars must continue dodging Israeli competition or face the wrath of their Supreme Leader.

During a Tuesday address to Iran’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, Iranian leader Ali Khamenei called for officials to compensate athletes who withdraw from matches against Israel, framing it as a “sacrifice” for national and religious ideals.

“When our athletes decline to compete against Zionist opponents, they incur a cost. We must ensure these athletes are not neglected,” Khamenei said.

A hallmark of the Iranian regime since 1979, its antisemitic policy has seen countless athletes either forfeit or intentionally lose matches against Israeli competitors. Sources suggest that compliant athletes often receive substantial rewards, with some reports indicating compensation equivalent to that of gold medalists.

Khamenei also praised athletes who dedicate their victories to the Arabs in Gaza, including those who have offered medals to slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh or posed with the Palestinian flag. He characterized these actions as demonstrations of the “spiritual strength and self-confidence of the Iranian nation” against its enemies.

Iranian lifter Mostafa Rajaei, for example, learned the hard way that the weight of hate is heavier than any barbell. After clinching silver at the 2023 World Masters Championships, Rajaei’s career came crashing down after he shook hands with Israeli bronze medalist Maksim Svirsky. Flexing its political muscles, the Iranian Weightlifting Federation hit Rajaei with a lifetime ban for his “unforgivable” display of sportsmanship.

However, as Iranians grow weary of the Supreme Leader’s hateful policies, cracks are starting to appear on the world stage. According to Iran International, some athletes are even going so far as to shake hands with Israeli competitors