Iranian Football Star Sardar Azmoun Expelled from National Team Over Dubai Photo
Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's most prominent footballers, has been expelled from the national team following an incident perceived as an act of disloyalty to the government. The 31-year-old striker, who currently plays for Dubai-based club Shabab Al-Ahli, is now unlikely to feature for Iran at this summer's World Cup.
Controversial Social Media Post Leads to Fallout
Azmoun shared a since-deleted photo on social media showing himself shaking hands with Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This action has sparked significant backlash within Iran, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Iranian media, including the Fars News Agency—which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—cited an informed source within the national team confirming Azmoun's expulsion from the squad.
Despite removing the pictures from his platforms, Azmoun faced severe criticism on state television. Football pundit Mohammad Misaghi condemned the striker's behaviour, describing it as inappropriate and unworthy of representing Iran. "We should not mince words with such people," Misaghi stated. "They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey."
Geopolitical Context and World Cup Preparations
Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup is already under scrutiny due to conflicts with the United States, Israel, and neighbouring allies in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates. Recent rocket and drone attacks by Iran on the UAE, following air strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have heightened tensions. This backdrop makes Azmoun's interaction with Dubai's leader particularly sensitive.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 international matches and played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had previously posted another photo with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in January 2025, captioned: "It was a pleasure and an honor to meet one of the most successful minds in the world." His club career has included stints at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and Roma.
Broader Implications and Related Incidents
The fallout extends beyond Azmoun, with unconfirmed reports from Novad News channel suggesting that assets of Azmoun, another UAE-based national team forward Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei may be seized. This incident occurs amidst other controversies involving Iranian athletes, including the women's national team, where seven members sought asylum in Australia after being labelled "wartime traitors" for not singing the national anthem.
Iran's men's team is scheduled to play friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Turkey as part of their World Cup preparations, though Azmoun's absence could impact their performance. The Iranian football federation has yet to officially confirm his expulsion, leaving fans and analysts awaiting further developments.
