Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the national team roster for two World Cup warm-up matches following reports in local media suggesting his removal due to perceived disloyalty to the government.
Azmoun, who has netted 57 goals in 91 international appearances, was notably absent from the 35-player squad unveiled by coach Amir Ghalenoei for upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey.
The player, who competes for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE, drew ire from Iranian authorities after sharing a photo on his Instagram showing a meeting with Dubai’s ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Recent tensions between Iran and the UAE escalated following airstrikes carried out by the US and Israel, resulting in retaliatory rocket and drone attacks by Iran. The nation’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed in the strikes.
A report from the Fars News Agency, associated with the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, quoted an anonymous source within the national team confirming Azmoun’s expulsion.
Despite reaching out for clarification on Azmoun’s situation, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) remained silent on the matter.
Concerns loom over Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup due to the ongoing conflict with the United States, a co-host of the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
The squad announcement also marked the debut call-up for Dennis Eckert, a striker of Iranian descent through his father, born in Germany, who plies his trade for Standard Liege in Belgium.
