Team Melli central defender risks missing the flights to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan after it was revealed that he is in trouble with the income tax authority for non-payment of taxes.

Seyed Jalal Hosseini missed Saturday’s session of Team Melli training to pursue his financial predicaments which means that he is banned from leaving Iran until the taxes issues are settled. The taxes are from the days when Jalal Hosseini was playing for Persepolis. Hosseini claims that his contract stipulated that Persepolis will pay the income tax, which they have obviously not carried out. The authorities are holding the player responsible and have asked him to pay his dues plus late payment interest else legal actions will be taken against him.

Carlos Queiroz was in a similar situation a few weeks back as his employer FFIRIR has neglected to pay the tax authorities and hence he was banned from leaving the country. This ban was only lifted after partial payment by FFIRI along with guarantees and assurances from the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

Jalal Hosseini is under contract with the Qatari side, Al Ahli. Team Melli will be playing Uzbekistan in Tashkent in 11 days from now before flying to Turkmenistan for the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.