AFC Disciplinary Committee Issues Rulings on Iranian Football Cases
The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee has released a series of new decisions concerning several pending cases, resulting in financial penalties and suspensions for Iranian clubs and personnel.
Financial Penalties for National Team and Club
In its latest adjudications, the committee has imposed fines on the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The national body was fined $2,250 due to a delay in the entry of the Iran U-23 team’s players onto the pitch for a match against Hong Kong, which was part of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Furthermore, Esteghlal FC faces significant financial sanctions. Players Roozbeh Cheshmi and Monir El Haddadi were each fined $5,000 for failing to participate in the post-match interview following Esteghlal’s AFC Champions League match against Al-Wasl. The club itself was also fined an additional $5,000 for the same incident.
Key Player Suspension Deals Blow to Esteghlal
The most impactful ruling concerns Esteghlal player Alireza Koushki. Following his red card in the 65th minute of the match against Jordan’s Al-Wehdat in the AFC Champions League, Koushki has been handed a three-match suspension. This suspension, which includes the automatic ban for the red card, will see him miss Esteghlal’s crucial upcoming fixtures against Al-Wehdat, Al-Wasl, and Al-Muharraq. He was also ordered to pay a personal fine of $1,500.
These decisions underscore the AFC’s strict adherence to its disciplinary regulations, with the rulings having immediate consequences for the involved teams and their competitive preparations.