Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has been omitted from the national squad for two upcoming World Cup warm-up matches, with media reports suggesting his exclusion stems from perceived disloyalty to the government. Azmoun, who boasts an impressive record of 57 goals in 91 international appearances, was notably absent from the 35-man roster announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei on Friday for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey.
Controversial Instagram Post Leads to Omission
The decision follows Azmoun's recent Instagram post featuring a picture of himself with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This action has reportedly upset Iranian authorities, given the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Iran has conducted rocket and drone attacks on the UAE in response to airstrikes by the United States and Israel, which resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reports of Expulsion from National Team
According to a report by Fars news agency, which has connections to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an informed source within the national team indicated that Azmoun has been expelled from the squad. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Azmoun currently plays for Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. His omission raises questions about Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in June and July, amid ongoing conflicts with the United States.
New Call-Up and Broader Implications
In a related development, the squad includes a first call-up for German-born striker Dennis Eckert, who plays for Standard Liège and has Iranian ancestry through his father. This move highlights the team's efforts to bolster its lineup despite the controversy surrounding Azmoun.
The incident underscores the intersection of sports and politics in Iran, where athletes' actions off the field can have significant repercussions on their careers. As Iran prepares for the World Cup, the absence of a key player like Azmoun could impact their performance and team dynamics.
