[70713] Storm in Iranian Football: Sepahan's Licensing Failure and Investigation into the Media Delegation to the US
[70713] Storm in Iranian Football: Sepahan's Licensing Failure and Investigation into the Media Delegation to the US
The powerhouse club Sepahan is left without a professional license to participate in Asian leagues, alongside criticism regarding the Football Federation's conduct in selecting journalists for the trip to the US.
Storm in Iranian Football: Sepahan's Licensing Failure and Investigation into the Media Delegation to the US
The Iranian football system is in turmoil following the Football Federation's licensing committee decision not to grant a professional license to the powerhouse club Sepahan, a move that prevents it from participating in Asian competitions next season. While teams such as Esteghlal, Tractor, Persepolis, Gol Gohar, and Chadormalu received approval, Sepahan's CEO, Manouchehr Nikfar, called the decision "the joke of the year in Iranian football" and announced an intention to appeal, according to reports in Varzesh 3 and Iran International.
According to sources in Akharin Khabar, the reason for not granting the license to the Isfahan club lies in the "failure to upload" required documents. At the same time, the Foolad Khuzestan club also did not receive a license, due to accumulated debts exceeding the club's assets. Sepahan's CEO claimed in response that the club has the "most beautiful stadium in Iran" and that the club holds a higher Asian ranking than its rivals.
In parallel to the club crisis, details were revealed regarding the Football Federation's conduct regarding the media delegation that will travel to the US. According to an investigation by Iran International, an organization known for its harsh criticism of the Iranian regime, the federation chose 15 journalists and photographers based on their political loyalty, while excluding journalists from the site 'Football 360' (associated with Adel Ferdosipour). It is claimed that those chosen receive a daily allowance of $50, and that efforts were made "to curb protests" against the selection method through the distribution of gift vouchers.
At the government level, intervention by political elements was noted. IRNA News Agency (affiliated with the regime) reported on the demand of Member of Parliament Ahmad Rastineh to reduce football players' salaries and club budgets, arguing that one must act in accordance with "war conditions" and a constrained economy. This statement reflects the growing tension between the economic distress in the country and the massive budgets in the football industry.