IRAN U20 starts with a thump.

Shenzhen: Iran outplayed Indonesia 3-0 in their opening AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group C match at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Thursday. 

Goals from Hesam Nafari, Esmaeil Gholizadeh and Mobin Dehghan placed the four-time champions in pole position with Uzbekistan, who beat Yemen 1-0 in the opening Group C match earlier.

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Iran piled on the pressure from the first blow of the referee’s whistle and received dividends in the fifth minute when the ball bounced off defender Nafari in a packed penalty box and into the net.

They had another attempt at goal in the 18th minute but Amirmohammad Razaghinia’s header from point blank range was kept out by custodian Achmad Zidan Rosyid.

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An unmarked Reza Ghandipour then wasted a golden opportunity when he mistimed his bicycle kick in the 35th minute with only Zidan to beat.

Indonesia had their first real look at goal in the 39th minute when Toni Firmansyah’s fierce shot from outside the box had goalkeeper Arsha Shakouri at full stretch to prevent an equalizer.

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They continued with their offensive play after the break, with Jens Raven failing to connect to a well-placed cross from Marselinus Ola.

Marselinus could have equalized in the 57th minute when he evaded three defenders, only for the keeper’s outstretched leg to foil his close-range attempt.

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Iran found their second in the 63rd minute courtesy of Gholizadeh, who unleashed a spectacular volley from a floating Nima Andarz cross that flew past a diving Zidan.

A Gholizadeh corner in the 70th minute saw midfielder Dehghan out-jumping the Indonesian defence to head home IR Iran’s third from close quarters.  

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Iran will look for their second win when they meet Yemen on Matchday 2 while Indonesia will take on Uzbekistan, with both ties to be contested on Sunday. 

MATCH STATS

Iran
 Hesam Nafari, Esmaeil Gholizadeh and Mobin Dehghan		3–0Indonesia
Iran
1 Arsha ShakouriGK
3 Hesam Nafari 
5‎ Erfan Darvish Aali
7 Esmaeil Gholizadeh 
8 Amirmohammad Razzaghinia
9. Yaghoub Barajeh
10 Reza Ghandipour
11 Mahan Sadeghi 
15 Mobin Dehghan 
17 Mohammad Dindar 
18 Abolfazl Zoleikhaei

Substitutes:
2 Nima Andarz 58‎’‎ ->Razzaghinia
6 S. Hoboobati 81‎’‎ -> Sadeghi
16 A. Zamani 58‎’ -> Dindar
19P. Shahrabadi 87‎’‎ -> Ghandipour
20 Y. Mazraeh 81‎’ -> Dehghan
Manager-Hossein Abdi		Indonesia
23 I. Al Giffari GK
3 A. Zidan 52‎’‎ MF
4 K. Arel DF
5 A. Buffon DF
7 A. Abdulmanan 46‎’‎MF
9 J. Raven 86‎’‎FW
10 W. Jardim 79‎’‎MF
16 D. PamungkasDF
18 T. FirmansyahMF
19 M. Ragil 79‎’‎MF
21 I. GwijanggeDF


Substitutes
6 E. Florasta 79‎’‎Sub
11 J. Pahlevi 86‎’‎Sub
12 F. Bagus 52‎’‎Sub
15 M. Ola 46‎’‎Sub
20 A. Rahman 79‎’‎Sub
Manager-Indra Sjafri

Tabnak Exposes New Financial Violations in Iranian Football

T

A 10‑page report from the General Accounting & Audit of Iran—published by Tabnak News Agency—has revealed new dimensions of financial misconduct by senior officials within the Iranian Football Federation and the League Organization.

According to the report, the General Inspectorate is set to launch an investigation in the summer of 2024 into the financial documents and statements of both the League Organization and the Football Federation. This probe, described as an examination of the status, resources, and financial expenditures of the Iranian Football League Organization, is expected to scrutinize irregularities that have long been suspected.

The investigation has uncovered that top executives from both the Football Federation and the League Organization have registered a private company—also named the “Iranian Football League Organization”—into which a substantial portion of the federation’s domestic revenues is being funneled.

In recent months, headlines have been dominated by reports of staggering fines imposed by the federation’s disciplinary committee on clubs, players, and coaches. For instance, on January 7, 1403, the “Javan” newspaper—the media outlet of the Revolutionary Guards—reported that fines levied on Iranian football players and clubs between September and the end of December 2024 had generated a staggering figure of at least 54 billion tomans (US$ 1.3 million) in revenue for the federation.

Now, newly released documents from the Inspection Organization indicate that these funds were deposited into a private company managed by Mehdi Taj.

Mehdi Taj, who originally led the FFIRI from 2016 until 2019, resigned abruptly—citing ill-health—amidst allegations of financial misappropriation, corruption, secret contracts, and excessive payments to the Belgian coach of Team Melli, Marc Wilmott. Despite these serious concerns raised by both observers and government entities, Taj emerged unscathed and was re-elected as the federation’s president in 2022 under questionable circumstances. This election saw all the candidates drop one by one leaving Taj as the major candidate.

Even after several audits and investigations, including the largest corruption scandal in Iranian football history —during which referees were caught accepting bribes and the head of the referees committee was imprisoned—Mehdi Taj continues to deny any wrongdoing. His resilience, bolstered by strong support from influential figures within the Revolutionary Guards, has allowed him to remain in power.

This latest round of accusations, one among many leveled against the powerful IRGC operative who appears to be backed by top regime figures, could prove to be the final blow in Taj’s career. The question now remains: will he once again perform a Houdini act and escape accountability?

List of Iran U20 squad for Asian Cup is announced.

The coaching staff of the Iran’S U20 football team short-listed the names of 23 players as the official squad for the AFC U-20 Cup in Shenzhen, China, after reviewing the status of the players present in the camp.

The 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup will be the 42nd edition of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup (including previous editions of the AFC Youth Championship and AFC U-19 Championship), the biennial international youth football championship organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the men’s under-20 national teams of Asia.

Uzbekistan are the title holders, having won the title in 2023.

The Iran U20 team will play in Group C of the AFC U-20 Cup with Indonesia, Yemen and defending champion Uzbekistan. The schedule of the Iranian team’s matches is as follows:

SQUAD LIST

The names of the players of the Iranian youth football team are as follows: Arsha Shakuri, Mohammad Gandomi, Armin Abbasi, Alireza Homaeifard, Hessam Nafri, Erfan Darvish Ali, Ali Hassani, Nima Andarz, Sina Moazami Tabar, Yaqoub Barajeh, Mohammad Dindar, Samir Habobati, Abolfazl Zamani, Abolfazl Zolaikhaei, Mobin Dehghan, Mahan Sadeghi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Pouria Shahrabadi, Esmaeil Gholizadeh, Yousef Mazra, Abbas Kahrizi, Abolfazl Mordi and Reza Ghandipour.

Competition Schedule Group C


Thursday, February 13, 2025

GROUP STAGE – Group C

UZBEKISTAN vs YEMEN SHENZHEN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE PITCH 1 (SHENZHEN)

IRAN vs INDONESIA SHENZHEN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE CENTRE STADIUM  (SHENZHEN)

Sunday, February 16, 2025

YEMEN vs IRAN SHENZHEN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE PITCH 1 (SHENZHEN)

INDONESIA vs UZBEKISTAN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE CENTRE STADIUM  (SHENZHEN)

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

UZBEKISTAN vs IRAN SHENZHEN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE PITCH 1 (SHENZHEN)

INDONESIA vs YEMEN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING BASE CENTRE STADIUM (SHENZHEN)

Team Melli’s Mini-Training Camp Canceled Amid Speculations Over Player Selection

Team Melli’s proposed mini-training camp has been canceled at the request of league coaches, according to head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Speaking briefly to reporters during the Persepolis vs. Havadar match, Ghalenoei expressed regret for not elaborating further, citing illness due to the flu. He assured the media that a comprehensive press conference would be held soon to provide updates on Team Melli’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in March, where they are set to face the UAE and Uzbekistan.

In the meantime, Iranian football circles are abuzz with rumors surrounding a potential new addition to the national team—a 27-year-old Iranian-German striker, Yerai Eckert Ayensa, currently playing for the Belgian side Standard Liège. Reports suggest that Eckert is on the brink of receiving a call-up for Team Melli’s upcoming matches.

However, Eckert’s performance this season has raised questions about the merit of his potential inclusion. In 13 appearances for Standard Liège—12 starts and one substitute appearance—he has accumulated 1,060 minutes of playing time, registering just one goal against Charleroi and one assist against Saint-Truiden. Such modest statistics hardly make a compelling case for a national team selection, especially for a squad boasting one of the strongest attacking lineups in Asia, led by Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi.

Sayyadmanesh vs. Eckert: A Tale of Contrasting Performances

The speculation over Eckert’s call-up becomes even more puzzling when compared to the standout performances of Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, another Iranian player excelling in the same Belgian Pro League. The 22-year-old forward, who previously represented Team Melli, has been a consistent performer for Westerlo this season. By the 20th week of the league, Sayyadmanesh had featured in all 20 matches, contributing six goals and five assists—far surpassing Eckert’s output.

Despite his superior form and younger age, Sayyadmanesh appears to be overlooked by Ghalenoei, sparking debate about the rationale behind the rumored interest in Eckert. Both players are versatile, capable of playing as center forwards or wingers. However, at 27, Eckert is four years older than Sayyadmanesh, making the argument for youth and potential less convincing.

Transfer Value and Player Caliber

Another point of comparison is their market value. On Transfermarkt, Eckert is valued at €2.5 million, while Sayyadmanesh’s valuation stands at €4 million—a reflection of the latter’s higher standing in international football. While transfer value isn’t the sole determinant of a player’s worth to the national team, it offers an indicator of their performance and potential.

Given these considerations, the idea of inviting Eckert—whose current form is far from ideal—over Sayyadmanesh raises eyebrows. If there is no place for a proven, younger talent in Team Melli’s camp, what justifies the attention toward a player with less impressive statistics?

As Team Melli gears up for crucial World Cup qualifiers, such decisions will inevitably come under scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will await Amir Ghalenoei’s forthcoming press conference for clarity on the direction and priorities of the national team.

Iranian President Orders Ban on Football Legend Ali Daei to Be Lifted

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the country’s sports minister to lift the ban on football legend Ali Daei, the Etemad newspaper, which is closely aligned with the presidential office, reported on Tuesday.

This move clears the way for Daei to return to football, a decision seen by many as an attempt to quell political unrest in the country. The former national team captain, who is highly revered in Iran, was banned from football-related activities by authorities after publicly supporting the mass protests that erupted in September 2022. The protests, which were ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini—an Iranian Kurdish woman who died in police custody after being detained for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress codes—saw widespread participation, including from many prominent figures such as Daei.

Daei’s popularity among the masses surged during the uprising, with many seeing him as a symbol of resistance against the government’s oppressive policies. His support for the protests, including his public calls for justice for Amini, made him a hero to many, particularly in the context of his status as a national sports icon. Despite the government’s decision to lift the ban, Daei has firmly refused to engage in any football activities under the current circumstances.

The football federation in Iran, often criticized for its ties to the government and its politicized nature, is seen by many as heavily influenced by the country’s ruling elite, including leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This connection has prompted Daei to reject any involvement in football administration as long as the federation remains under the control of those who enforce the government’s political agenda. In earlier statements, Daei made it clear that he would not participate in football activities unless the circumstances in Iran change and the sport is allowed to function independently of political pressures.

Despite Daei’s reluctance to return to the field or take on any official roles in the current climate, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time remains unquestioned. He played in Germany from 1997 to 2002, representing clubs like Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin, and is the most-capped player in Iranian football history, with 149 international appearances until Javad Nekounam over took him. His goal-scoring achievements are also remarkable—Daei is the third-highest scorer in international football with 109 goals, behind only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

The decision to lift Daei’s ban is widely regarded as a gesture to ease tensions within the country, but it also underscores the ongoing political and social struggles within Iranian football, where figures like Daei, who are seen as independent of government influence, remain at odds with the politicized sports institutions.

Statistics: Mohammad Mohebi

Although not a regular starter, Mohammad Mohebi has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for Team Melli in their pursuit of World Cup qualification. Currently playing for the Russian side FC Rostov, Mohebi has demonstrated his versatility and skill, earning praise from both fans and critics alike.

Despite being sidelined by injuries that temporarily disrupted his contributions for both club and country, Mohebi’s quality was evident upon his return. His ability to make an impact was clear, and his performances were met with widespread appreciation. His six goals in 2024, primarily operating as a right winger, were a remarkable achievement given that he only started eight matches throughout the year.

What sets Mohebi apart is his adaptability. Beyond excelling as a right winger, he has also proven effective in central midfield and as a number nine, showcasing his capability to adapt to the team’s needs. This flexibility makes him a highly valuable player for Team Melli’s coaches, who regard him as a reliable option in multiple roles.

When fit, Mohebi is a strong contender for a spot in Team Melli. His performances for both club and country reaffirm his status as a high-quality player capable of delivering results in crucial moments.

Statistics: Saman Ghoddos

After a challenging period of uncertainty, when Team Melli midfielder Saman Ghoddos found himself out of contract and without a club, he made a surprising move to a modest club in the UAE—a stark contrast to his previous stints in European football. Despite this shift, Ghoddos continues to shine as a cornerstone of Team Melli’s midfield, an area often criticized for its lack of depth and creativity.

In a team struggling with a dearth of skilled playmakers, Ghoddos stands out as a rare gem. His exceptional vision and precise ball distribution make him indispensable. Time and again, he has taken on the responsibility of orchestrating the midfield, linking defense with attack through timely passes, initiating offensive moves, and providing his teammates with opportunities through remarkable foresight.

Without Ghoddos, Team Melli’s coaching staff often resorts to direct, long-ball tactics, highlighting the void left by his absence. No other player in the squad matches his ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball with such finesse. While his statistics may not always be headline-grabbing, his influence on the field is undeniable. Ghoddos not only elevates the team’s performance but also instills confidence in his teammates.

As a key figure in Team Melli’s lineup, Saman Ghoddos is more than just a player—he is a symbol of resilience and a vital cog in the team’s ambitions. His presence remains a beacon of hope for a midfield yearning for consistency and brilliance.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.

The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Statistics: Sardar Azmoun

Sardar Azmoun had an outstanding year with Team Melli, leading the Persians to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Following his transition from the elite European leagues to the less prestigious Persian Gulf Football, there were concerns that the star player might experience a decline in performance, which had prompted his transfer.

However, Azmoun defied expectations. His exceptional goal-scoring ability, combined with his vision and awareness to create spectacular assists for his teammates, proved to be the driving force behind Team Melli’s success. The year 2024 stood out as one of Azmoun’s most successful years with Team Melli, showcasing his prowess and solidifying his status as a key player for the national team.

Azmoun is now the second-highest Team Melli Goal scorer after the Legendary Ali Daei.

This illustration captures the essence of Azmoun’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Mehdi Taremi Struggles as Inter Falls to Leverkusen in Champions League Clash

Inter Milan faced Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated Round 6 UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, December 10, at the BayArena. The game ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team, marking Inter’s first defeat in the tournament this season. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, a summer free-transfer acquisition, was part of Inter’s starting lineup but was substituted in the 85th minute after another underwhelming performance.

A Night of Missed Opportunities

Mehdi Taremi’s performance has come under scrutiny, with Italian media voicing their disappointment. The reputable outlet Calciomercato summed up the game succinctly:

“Inter’s first defeat in the Champions League came by a small margin on Leverkusen’s home turf. Despite the setback, the loss is part of an otherwise strong campaign by Inzaghi’s side, who experimented with lineup changes. However, Taremi has yet to meet expectations, particularly in crucial matches like these.”

Inzaghi had expressed confidence in Taremi during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, stating:

“He plays because he deserves it. He trains very well and understands the competition within the squad. Every time he’s played, he has shown quality.”

Yet on the pitch, Taremi failed to deliver. The former Porto forward, celebrated for his experience and scoring prowess, has struggled to replicate his success at Porto in Italy. Tuesday’s match was no different, as Taremi failed to register a single shot on target in his sixth Champions League start.

A Season Below Expectations

Since joining Inter, Taremi has scored only once in 16 appearances—a solitary goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. Expectations were high for the 31-year-old, whose transfer was seen as a strategic move to bolster Inter’s attack. However, his inability to impact games, particularly in high-stakes situations, has left fans and analysts questioning his place in the squad.

Social media criticism has intensified following the defeat against Leverkusen, with a section of the fanbase expressing frustration over Taremi’s lack of productivity. In Serie A, his opportunities have been limited; he has started only once this season, playing second fiddle to Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

A Hard-Working but Struggling Player

To his credit, Taremi’s work ethic on the field remains commendable. The matches he has started have often been challenging fixtures, where the pressure to deliver is immense. Despite his struggles, Inzaghi has reiterated his belief in Taremi’s abilities.

While his contributions so far have been described as “lackluster” rather than entirely negative, Taremi has yet to prove he can be a decisive player for Inter. The season is far from over, and the Iranian striker still has time to turn things around. However, patience among fans is wearing thin, and his current trajectory leaves much to be desired.

A Chance for Redemption

Inter’s campaign in both domestic and European competitions continues, providing Taremi with opportunities to silence his critics. Whether he can rise to the occasion and become the impactful player Inter envisioned remains to be seen. For now, the final verdict on his season is on hold, but the clock is ticking for Taremi to demonstrate his worth in an Inter jersey.