[ad_1]
Tehran, Iran Three major Iranian teams have been barred from participating in the Asian Soccer Confederation’s (AFC) Champions League and local officials are already involved in the offensive.
The AFC announced on Friday that the 2020 finalist Persepolis, Asian champion Esteghlal twice, and Gol Gohar Sirjan should not compete in the 2022 tournament.
The commission did not name any specific reasons, but it did refer to the laws governing the issuance of certificates that clubs failed to meet, such as the timely submission of necessary documents.
The governments of Esteghlal and Persepolis, two of Iran’s largest and most influential groups, have had the prospect of being ousted for weeks, but local officials have not commented on the exact reasons.
But after Friday’s announcement, a heated debate erupted on state television as governments tried to stop the case.
The head of Persepolis, Majid Sadri, told a program that took place late at night that 98 percent of the team’s records were AFC-approved, something that made him wonder why he was blocked.
On the remaining issues such as club ownership and outstanding debts to former Argentine manager Gabriel Calderon, he handed over the responsibilities to former club officials and the leadership of former President Hassan Rouhani.
Rouhani’s government has promised to keep the clubs secret and market their products three years ago, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. President Ibrahim Raisi.
“And we also have a problem with our AFC teammates,” Sadri said on Friday. They ask us why we do not pay our debt. We have sent them more than 40 letters with $ 3.4m in cash, and we will pay off our debts as soon as we can. ”
Zero position
According to the official, the AFC is refusing to release Iran funds due to US sanctions imposed in 2018 under Donald Trump. abandoned Iran’s nuclear alliance and world powers.
Dariush Mostafavi, a civil servant in the Iranian Soccer Federation, told the controversy on Friday that the federation would not be responsible for the crisis.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Ahmad Rastineh said parliament would reconsider its position, but linked the issue to “political fraud and interference”.
“Unfortunately there are some locals whose survival depends on the acceptance of the most sought after political policies and these people are seriously undermining the Iranian game,” he said without elaborating.
The three clubs have 10 days to appeal the decision, but experts say it is unlikely that the decision will be reversed.
As a result Esteghlal and Persepolis will be replaced by Sepahan Isfahan and Foolad Khuzestan. The Gol Gohar itself was seen as a substitute when it was banned.
Future chaos
The ban could have an impact on Iranian football. In addition to the breach of trust, the football association and clubs may face penalties.
On the other hand, Iran would still face major challenges from FIFA, the governing body of football, ending refusing to allow women to enter the stadium.
The long-running issue could reach a climax later this month, when Iran will host Iraq in a World Cup qualifier. The country is also set to host the United Arab Emirates and South Korea in two more matches in February and March.
Friday’s ban has upset millions of club lovers and their players. The social networking site was filled with complaints about the ban and criticism of the authorities.
“I’m afraid to talk again and get in trouble, but isn’t it sad that Esteghlal and Persepolis can’t participate in these competitions with so much money?” tweeted Mehdi Taremi, a former player for the Iranian national team.
[ad_2]
Source link
