TEHRAN – Former Iran national team captain and Persepolis veteran Afshin Peyrovani has been dismissed from his role as team manager, following what the club describes as a serious lapse in professional conduct.
The controversy erupted during the Nowruz holidays, at a time when the United States and Israel had launched a coordinated military aggression against Iran. Against this backdrop of active war, Peyrovani traveled unexpectedly to the United States, a decision that drew sharp criticism from within the club and among some of the fans.
In response, Persepolis released a statement suspending Peyrovani's professional relationship with the club and confirming that his case would be referred to the disciplinary committee upon his return to Iran.
Failure to Return Seals His Fate
According to club sources, Persepolis recently resumed training ahead of the new season. However, Peyrovani neither returned to Iran nor attended any team activities. His continued absence prompted the club's management to take final action, issuing an official order expelling him from the club.
National Team Manager Speculation Now in Doubt
Prior to his dismissal, there had been growing speculation that Peyrovani, who enjoys significant backing within the Football Federation, including support from national team head coach Amir Ghalenoei, was a leading candidate to replace Mohammad Mohammad Nabi as Team Melli manager.
Insiders suggest that Peyrovani's strong ties to key figures in Iranian football made him a plausible choice for the role. However, following this latest episode and his subsequent firing from Persepolis, sources indicate that any chance of him being offered the national team position has now effectively evaporated.
What's Next?
Peyrovani has yet to issue a public statement regarding his dismissal or the events leading up to it. The disciplinary committee is still expected to review the case, though with his expulsion already finalized, the move appears largely symbolic at this stage.
For now, one of the most respected names in Iranian football finds himself on the outside of the game he once helped define, his future in the sport uncertain. Peyrovani was part of Iran Squad in the FIFA World Cup 1998, where Iran defeated USA 2-1 to record its first-ever victory.