Title: Tehran Derby Venue Negotiations: Esteghlal Sets Conditions for Potential Shiraz Match
A High-Stakes Standoff
The venue for the highly anticipated first-half-of-season Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis remains undecided, creating a major storyline in Iranian football. The uncertainty surrounding the location of the country’s most significant club match continues to fuel speculation and debate.
The Shiraz Proposal
Recent reports suggest that Persepolis, designated as the host team, is considering moving the match to the newly constructed Pars Stadium in Shiraz. This has prompted a firm response from their rivals, Esteghlal. While not outright rejecting the idea, the blue side of Tehran has laid out specific conditions that must be met for them to agree to the relocation.
Esteghlal’s Key Demands
Club officials from Esteghlal have presented two primary requirements. First, they insist that their team’s head coach must be formally consulted and allowed to assess the logistical implications, including considerations related to the city’s elevation, to properly plan training sessions.
Second, citing their lack of prior experience playing at the Pars Stadium, Esteghlal has demanded equitable access to the pitch for preparation. They have stated their agreement is contingent on either being granted several training sessions on the main field before the match or ensuring that both teams receive an absolutely equal number of practice sessions at the venue. This condition is intended to prevent Persepolis from gaining a potential home-field advantage through greater familiarity with the stadium.
An Unresolved Fixture
The two football giants are scheduled to face each other in the twelfth week of the Persian Gulf Pro League. However, the exact date and, most notably, the host city for this critical fixture are still officially unconfirmed, a situation that highlights the complex negotiations behind the scenes of Iranian football.
