Rewritten Title:
Persepolis Club and Supporters Allege Unfair Treatment in Cup Competition
Rewritten Article:
A Controversial Decision Sparks Outcry
A recent ruling by the Appeals Committee of the Iranian Football Federation has ignited significant controversy, drawing sharp criticism from one of the nation’s most prominent football clubs, Persepolis. The club’s management, technical staff, and its vast fanbase have voiced strong objections, creating a major talking point in Iranian sports.
The Core of the Dispute
The conflict centers on a decision regarding the upcoming Hazfi Cup match between Persepolis and Tractor. Initially, the match was scheduled to be played behind closed doors without spectators. However, the Appeals Committee has reversed this ruling, deciding that the game will now be open to the public.
This change has been met with severe disapproval from the Persepolis camp. Club officials and supporters argue that altering the conditions so close to the match is unfair and disrupts their team’s preparation. They contend that Tractor now gains a significant, last-minute advantage by being able to play with the support of its home crowd, a factor that was not part of the original competitive framework.
Allegations of an Unlevel Playing Field
Persepolis representatives have expressed a firm belief that this decision disproportionately benefits their opponents and could directly impact the match’s outcome. The core of their grievance is the perception that this procedural change increases the risk of their elimination from the cup tournament. The phrase, “Do you want to eliminate us from the cup?!” has become a rallying cry, encapsulating their frustration and sense of injustice.
Official Stance and Legal Grounds
In response to the widespread criticism, it has been clarified by sources close to the matter that the Appeals Committee acted within its legal rights. The committee is permitted by regulation to review and amend decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee. Despite this legal justification, the perceived sporting imbalance has become the focal point of the dispute.
Persepolis FC is now expected to pursue all available legal channels within the football federation’s framework to address their concerns and seek a resolution they deem fair for the competition.