[61224] Crisis in selecting Iran's representatives for the Asian Champions League: Football clubs oppose the playoff tournament

Tension surrounding the determination of Iran's representatives for Asian competitions

Against the backdrop of uncertainty regarding the end of the football season in Iran, the Football Federation faces a crisis with the top clubs. According to Varzesh3, which is affiliated with the state sports channel and often tends toward framing that emphasizes the authorities' position, Federation spokesman Amir-Mehdi Alavi noted that the option of holding a "multi-participant tournament" to determine the identity of the Asian representatives is being examined. Alavi noted that 14 clubs previously refused to continue the league games, which led to a stalemate.

Simultaneously, Iran International Sport (a media outlet identified with the opposition in exile that consistently criticizes the conduct of sports institutions in Iran) reports that the management of Esteghlal FC expressed firm opposition to the move. Ali Tajarnia, Chairman of Esteghlal FC, declared in an interview that the club "will not participate in any way in a multi-participant tournament" and demanded that the Federation officially declare his team as the representative for the Asian Elite League.

The conflict places the Federation in a complex position: while official sources emphasize their desire that "the decision be made on the pitch" (according to Varzesh3), the big clubs are demanding a quick administrative decision to secure their place in the international arena.

In addition to the representation issue, Tajarnia addressed the internal situation at Esteghlal, noting that the club is working to resolve its debts with the authorities in order to open the upcoming transfer window and stabilize the squad of players ahead of the next season.