Iran Announces World Cup Squad Amidst Controversy
Collected Photo
He is known as the "Iranian Messi." The team's major star, Sardar Azmoun, has played in the previous two World Cups as well. Iran has come into the spotlight by dropping this experienced footballer from their World Cup squad. Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, announced a 30-member World Cup squad without Azmoun.
Azmoun has played 91 matches for the national team, scoring 57 goals. He has made massive contributions to his country in World Cup qualifiers, the Asian Cup, and crucial international matches. Therefore, dropping him from a major tournament like the World Cup is a stunning development.
Having played for European clubs like Bayer Leverkusen, Zenit, and Roma, Azmoun currently plays for Dubai-based club Shabab Al Ahli.
And playing in Dubai seems to have become Azmoun's downfall. The Iran Football Federation has not specified any reason for his omission from the squad. However, an Al Jazeera report indicates that political and personal issues are responsible behind this.
Last March, Azmoun posted a photo on social media with the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This is where the trouble began. Iran did not take kindly to such a picture being shared amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the UAE.
Some local media outlets claimed that Iranian authorities were displeased with Azmoun's photo post. Previously, during the 2022 anti-government protests in Iran, Azmoun had also publicly expressed support for the demonstrators. At that time, despite being in the national team, he was a protesting voice on social media.
Ultimately, Azmoun had to pay the price for posting that photo. He will not be playing on the World Cup stage for a third consecutive time. Star forward Mehdi Taremi has secured a place in Iran's World Cup squad and will be leading the team. Additionally, several other experienced footballers are included in the squad.
Iran Football Team to Head to Turkey Tomorrow Ahead of the World Cup
The Iran football team will travel to Turkey tomorrow, May 18, to set up their World Cup training camp. While in Turkey, all members of the squad will apply for their US visas. Once the visas are secured, they will fly to the United States to participate in the World Cup.
Following the completion of their camp in Turkey, Iran will play two friendly matches. While a fixture against Gambia on May 29 has been locked in, the opponent for the other match is yet to be finalized.
Iran's 30-Member World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifeh, Payam Niazmand.
Defenders: Danial Eiri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Omid Noorafkan, Ramin Rezaeian.
Midfielders: Rouzbeh Cheshmi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mehdi Ghayedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Mehdi Torabi, Arya Yousefi.
Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi, Hadi Habibinezhad, Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Amirhossein Mahmoudi, Kasra Taheri, Mehdi Taremi.