Iran footballer ‘banned from national team’ for ‘disloyalty’ after posting picture on social media
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has reportedly been removed from his country’s national squad just months before the World Cup, following what authorities deemed an act of betrayal against the state.
The 31-year-old forward, who currently represents Dubai club Shabab Al-Ahli, allegedly triggered the expulsion by posting an image showing him greeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
The photograph has since been deleted from his social media accounts.
According to Fars News Agency, which maintains connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a source close to the national team confirmed Azmoun’s dismissal.
Iran’s football federation has not yet officially verified these reports.
The reported expulsion comes against a backdrop of escalating hostilities between Iran and several nations in the region.
Tehran has conducted rocket and drone strikes against the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for military action by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has reportedly been removed from his country’s national squad just months before the World Cup, following what authorities deemed an act of betrayal against the state
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These tensions have cast doubt over Iran’s participation in this summer’s tournament.
The UAE, where Azmoun is based professionally, stands among the regional allies of Washington and Tel Aviv.
Azmoun boasts an impressive international record, having netted 57 goals across 91 appearances for Iran, including at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The 31-year-old forward, who currently represents Dubai club Shabab Al-Ahli, allegedly triggered the expulsion by posting an image showing him greeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai
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Iranian state television broadcast sharp criticism of the footballer on Thursday evening.
Pundit Mohammad Misaghi labelled Azmoun’s actions as disloyal to his homeland.
“It’s unfortunate that you don’t have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time,” Misaghi stated during the broadcast.
The commentator insisted such players should be deemed unfit to represent their nation.
“We should not mince words with such people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey,” he added.
Misaghi further declared that the team had no tolerance for what he termed “sulking and childish behaviour,” arguing that national players must proudly sing the anthem and merit wearing Iran’s colours.
Sardar Azmoun is one of Iran’s best footballers
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Beyond Azmoun, reports suggest authorities have moved to seize assets belonging to other footballers based in the Emirates.
The Novad News channel reported on Thursday that orders had been issued targeting Azmoun, fellow national team striker Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei, though the report cited no sources.
The situation echoes recent events involving Iran’s women’s national team. Seven members of that squad sought asylum in Australia after being branded “wartime traitors” on state television for refusing to sing the national anthem before a Women’s Asian Cup fixture. Five subsequently chose to return home.
Iran’s men are set to face Nigeria on 27 March and Costa Rica four days later in Turkey as World Cup preparation continues.
