Bloomberg l Golnar Motevalli: It�s almost impossible for anyone who isn�t part of Iran�s conservative establishment to freely criticize the government or other national institutions using the country�s tightly-controlled state broadcaster. Soccer stars�are among the few exceptions -- as one proved this week.

Each Monday evening, a hugely popular show called �Navad,� or �90,� covers topical issues in the sport, ranging from the performance of the Iranian team to accusations of corruption within its governing, state-funded authority. Presenters clash with officials, striking a chord with Iranians with few outlets for their frustrations, which�recently have sparked protests over the economy, the Islamic dress code for women and the behavior of an often distant governing elite.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Ali Karimi�topped the list of trending Persian-language hashtags on Twitter on Tuesday after appearing on the show. In a live debate with the general secretary of Iran�s soccer�federation, Mohammad Reza Saket, he accused the body of a lack of financial accountability, including over the sale of broadcasting rights. Iran�s top players were forced to train and play international matches using just a single set of kit, Karimi alleged. Saket appeared to confirm that claim.

�While you remain in the game, there will be no happiness in football,� Karimi told Saket during the show.

Karimi then lashed out at national manager Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach who has worked at world-famous clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, and�led Iran�to qualification for two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments, including this year�s event in Russia.

The social media storm started soon after. One Twitter user, Emad Emadi, said the overwhelming support for Karimi �showed that people are eager to see that the government can be criticized.�