Iran has removed prominent striker Sardar Azmoun from its national team following a controversy linked to his recent social media activity.
The decision reportedly came after Azmoun shared a photograph of a meeting with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a move said to have angered authorities in Iran.
According to Fars News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an informed source within the national team confirmed that the 31-year-old forward has been dropped from the squad.
The development comes amid wider tensions in Iranian football. Earlier this week, members of the country’s women’s national team returned home after a brief asylum scare in Australia. Seven individuals had initially sought refuge, but five—including captain Zahra Ghanbari—later reversed their decision.
Uncertainty also surrounds Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has become a point of concern due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving one of the host nations.
Football authorities in Iran are reportedly in talks with FIFA, requesting that their matches be moved away from the United States and played in Mexico instead.
