Since then, hearing men have continued to lead the federation, despite ongoing complaints and protests from the Deaf community. The system has failed. In Iran, there is still a deep-rooted belief that Deaf people are not capable of leading.

One example from Iran: the president of the I.R. Deaf Sports Federation has always been a hearing man. For many years, hearing individuals have held this position. Only once, in 1978, was a Deaf person elected as president—but he was pushed out by hearing authorities.