Iranian Forward Sardar Azmoun Omitted from National Team Following Expulsion Claims

Sardar Azmoun, with 57 goals from 91 appearances for Iran, stood out as the most prominent omission in the 35-player roster announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei on Friday ahead of friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey.

The forward, currently with Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, drew ire from Iranian officials earlier this week after sharing an Instagram photo of his encounter with Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions, as Iran has conducted rocket and drone strikes against the UAE in response to airstrikes from the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to a story from Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an anonymous national team insider revealed that Azmoun faces removal from the squad.

The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran offered no reply when approached for details on Azmouns situation.

Irans involvement in the World Cup remains uncertain due to the escalating dispute with the United States, which is jointly hosting the event from June 11 to July 19 alongside Mexico and Canada.

Among the selections was a debut invitation for Dennis Eckert, a striker born in Germany who features for Standard Liege in Belgium and holds Iranian heritage via his paternal lineage.