[67410] Crisis on the way to Asia: The AFC rejected the Iranian Football Federation's request

International pressure on Iranian football: The AFC issues an ultimatum

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has once again rejected the request of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran to extend the deadline for registering its representatives for continental frameworks. According to Varzesh3, Iran is now obligated to submit the names of the three teams that will represent it in the Asian Premier League and the Champions League no later than June 10, 2026.

The AFC's decision is creating a local storm, as the Federation had hoped to postpone the announcement until September to allow for a sporting conclusion to the season. As reported in Esteghlal Fans Channel (a fan channel with a clear interest in their team's ranking), the prominent candidates to represent the country are Esteghlal, Tractor, and Sepahan. However, there is a deep concern that due to the tight schedules, the football season might end prematurely "without declaring a champion," as noted in a Tasnim news agency report published on Iran International.

Football Federation spokesman, Alavi, tried to calm the spirits and emphasized in Akharin Khabar that although these names are considered the leaders, the selection "is not final" and that each team is required to receive a "professional license" in order to participate in the tournaments. The spokesman added that the Federation is dealing with additional pressures, including contractual issues with foreign players against the backdrop of what was defined as "emergency conditions."

The situation is significantly complicated due to the previous opposition of other teams such as Persepolis, Chadormalu, and Gol Gohar to the Federation's decision to rely on the current table without finishing the league in the regular manner. While official media outlets emphasize the commitment to AFC requirements, fan bases are expressing deep concern about the consequences of the decision for the integrity of the season and sporting fairness.