Title: Estegal Khuzestan’s Derby Dilemma: A Test of Resolve Ahead of Tehran Clash
A Stand for Rights
Players of the Estegal Khuzestan football club have taken a firm stance, publicly declaring their refusal to train or participate in matches until overdue contractual payments are received. This industrial action, which began last Saturday, stems from the non-payment of a significant portion of their salaries for the current 1404-1405 Persian league season. The squad made their position clear through a statement on their official social media channels, setting a definitive ultimatum for the club’s management.
Contradictory Signals Emerge
Despite the public threat of a boycott, a report from a Tasnim news agency correspondent, citing an anonymous player within the team, suggests a different scenario for the upcoming high-profile match. According to the source, while the team has been barred from speaking to the media and has not held group training sessions, the players are still expected to take the field against Persepolis. This creates a cloud of uncertainty over whether the protest will extend to the highly anticipated Tehran derby.
Management in a Holding Pattern
Alborz Hajipour, the team manager of Estegal Khuzestan, acknowledged the delicate situation in his comments to Tasnim. He confirmed that no payments have been made to date and stated that the team is currently following the lead of the players’ decision. “Whatever I say will be misinterpreted,” Hajipour remarked, emphasizing that the consequences of not playing are significant. He indicated that a final decision would be made imminently, while personally refraining from predicting the outcome.
A Clash of Professional Principles
Manager Hajipour expressed a nuanced perspective, affirming the players’ right to protest and demand their dues. However, he also voiced a strong belief in professional conduct, rooted in his own long-standing experience in professional football. He argued that a player who refuses to train or play ultimately harms their own career first and foremost. While acknowledging that the payment deadline has passed, he maintained that it is not right for athletes to nullify months of their own hard work over the financial dispute.
The Stakes of the Showdown
The entire situation hinges on the upcoming fixture. Estegal Khuzestan is scheduled to face Persepolis at 16:30 on Friday, 16 Aban, in the tenth week of the Premier League at the Shahid-e Shahr-e Ghods Stadium. The football community now watches to see if the team’s stand will culminate in a dramatic boycott or if the call of the pitch will prevail in one of the league’s most significant matches.