Title: Esteghlal FC Secures Vital Roster Boost with Reinstated Foreign Player Slot
In a significant administrative victory for one of Iran’s premier football clubs, Esteghlal Tehran has successfully had a valuable foreign player slot reinstated, following a meticulous review process with international football bodies.
A Prolonged Ambiguity Resolved
For months, the status of Esteghlal’s eighth foreign player slot remained uncertain. The club had initially filed a case with FIFA’s regulatory arm, citing an injury sustained by their former player, Aldin Ziljkić, during his tenure in the Persian Gulf Pro League. According to league regulations, a foreign player must participate in a minimum of 60% of their team’s matches for the slot to remain valid for the following season. An exemption is granted if a player’s absence is proven to be due to injury.
The Turning Point: Medical Evidence and FIFA’s Ruling
The breakthrough came after a renewed examination of medical documentation. Esteghlal had previously asserted that Ziljkić was injured, but the case had stalled. However, a key piece of evidence emerged from the league’s injury registration system, which documented a “Grade 1” hamstring strain for the player, dated August 16. The initial medical report from the club’s physician had estimated a 21-day recovery period.
Upon review, the international body adjusted the confirmed injury period to 10 days, from August 16 to August 27. This period directly coincided with two of Esteghlal’s first three league matches. Consequently, Ziljkić’s absence was officially attributed to injury for 66% of the possible games, successfully meeting the threshold for the slot’s reinstatement.
Official Confirmation and Newfound Opportunities
Following the official confirmation of the injury, the Iranian League’s Transfer Committee formally reactivated Esteghlal’s eighth foreign player slot. This development provides the club with a crucial strategic advantage, particularly as it occurred after the domestic transfer window had officially closed due to other administrative proceedings.
With this slot now active, Esteghlal’s management has gained the flexibility to sign a free-agent foreign player before the end of the first half of the season. Furthermore, this reinstatement paves the way for the potential registration of player Masharipov in the next transfer window, allowing a previously arranged contract to be executed.
This resolution underscores the importance of regulatory diligence and showcases the club’s commitment to utilizing all available frameworks to strengthen its competitive standing.