[71027] The licensing crisis in Iranian football clubs: Who will take the spot in the Asian league?

Drama in Iranian football club licensing

The Iranian football system is in an uproar following the announcement by Manouchehr Nikfar, CEO of the Sepahan team, that the club did not receive a professional license. According to the Esteghlal fan channel, which is affiliated with Sepahan's arch-rivals, the revocation of the license opens a struggle for the right to represent Iran in the second tier of Asian leagues.

Reports indicate that the fate of the spot in the Asian league will be decided between three teams: Gol Gohar, Chadormalu, and Persepolis. The Persepolis fan channel, which promotes the interests of the elite club, confirmed that this is a significant change in the map of Iranian representation.

Meanwhile, a conflict of interest is developing between the clubs claiming eligibility. Babayi, the CEO of Chadormalu, claimed that his team is in an advantageous position over Persepolis in the race to obtain the international ticket. According to a report in Footballi, Babayi stated that "if Sepahan does not receive a professional license, we are ahead of Persepolis and we have priority and the right to represent Iran in Asia".

As of now, the situation remains tense as the clubs wait for official decisions regarding the final criteria that will determine who will get to participate in the prestigious tournament.