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Iran striker Sardar Azmoun faces reported expulsion after a controversial post, adding to growing uncertainty around the nation’s 2026 World Cup participation.
Iran striker Sardar Azmoun (AFP)
If things weren’t already tense around Iranian football, they just got a lot messier.
One of the country’s biggest stars, Sardar Azmoun, has now found himself at the centre of a political storm — one that could cost him a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reports from Iranian media suggest Azmoun has been expelled from the national team over what’s being described as an act of “disloyalty” to the government.
If that stands, his chances of featuring at the World Cup are all but gone.
Why Was Azmoun Expelled?
Azmoun, who currently plays for Shabab Al-Ahli in Dubai, reportedly triggered the controversy after posting a photo on Instagram with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
In the current geopolitical climate, it was an act that signalled disloyalty towards Iran.
Why? Well, Iran’s ongoing tensions in the region, particularly involving the UAE, the United States and Israel, have made even symbolic gestures politically sensitive.
According to a report by Fars News Agency, citing “an informed source,” Azmoun was removed from the squad following the incident.
Separate, unverified reports have also claimed that authorities ordered the seizure of assets belonging to Azmoun, along with fellow UAE-based forward Mehdi Ghayedi and former international Soroush Rafiei.
Backlash From State Media
Even after Azmoun deleted the post, the backlash only intensified.
On state television, football pundit Mohammad Misaghi didn’t hold back.
“It’s unfortunate that you don’t have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time,” he said.
“We should not mince words with such people… they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey.”
So far, there has been no official response from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
A Big Blow for Team Melli
Azmoun, 31, has long been one of the faces of Iranian football, with stints at top European clubs and appearances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
With 57 goals in 91 international matches, he has been one of their most reliable scorers since making his debut back in 2014.
His potential absence would leave a major void, especially with Iran already facing uncertainty over their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
(with agency inputs)
March 20, 2026, 18:15 IST
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