Iranian authorities have announced the seizure of six properties allegedly linked to the former captain of the national football team, Ali Karimi, who now lives in exile and is vehemently critical of the country, AFP reports.

Karimi, who played for Bayern Munich during his career and was dubbed the “Asian Maradona” for his wizardry on the pitch, has in social media posts backed protests against the authorities and also voiced support for the monarchy ousted by the Islamic revolution.

The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency described Karimi as “one of the traitors to the homeland who has been extensively active in supporting the enemy in recent years”.

It said two commercial units and four residential units belonging to Karimi “have been identified and seized by judicial order for the benefit of the people”.