This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's most prominent footballers, has reportedly been removed from the national team due to an act considered disloyal to the government, jeopardizing his participation in this summer's World Cup. The controversy arose after the 31-year-old player shared a now-deleted photo shaking hands with Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Iranian media reports that this action could cost him a call-up for the World Cup. The Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, cited 'an informed source within the national team' who confirmed the removal of the former José Mourinho player at Roma. However, the Iranian football federation has yet to make an official statement on the matter. The forward, who currently plays for Shabab Al Ahli, managed by Paulo Sousa and based in Dubai, faced harsh criticism on state television. Football commentator Mohammad Misaghi described the player's behavior as an act of disloyalty to the nation. 'It is regrettable that there is not enough common sense to understand what kind of behavior is appropriate at a given moment,' Misaghi stated. 'We should not mince words with these people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey. We have no patience for this sulky and childish behavior. National team players should be people who proudly sing the national anthem and deserve to wear the jersey of Iran,' he pointed out. Despite removing the controversial photo, Azmoun still has another image with the Dubai leader on his Instagram profile, dated January 2025, with the caption: 'It was a pleasure and an honor to meet one of the most successful minds in the world, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Choose your club wisely.' Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report from Novad News stated on Thursday that an order had been issued to seize the assets of Azmoun, his national teammate Mehdi Ghayedi, who also plays in the UAE, and former international Soroush Rafiei. Criticism of Azmoun has arisen amid heightened tensions, following the reception of the Iranian women's national team returning from Australia. Seven members of the delegation sought asylum in that country after the team was labeled 'traitors in wartime' on state television for not singing the national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match. Five of them eventually returned to Iran.
Iranian National Team Alleged Disloyalty This remains central to this story.
Iranian National Team Alleged Disloyalty This remains central to this story.
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