Title: Persepolis Evaluates Host Cities for Capital’s Premier Football Derby, Rejects Fan-Free Match
Tehran Derby Location Under Scrutiny
The Persepolis football club is currently in the final stages of selecting a host city for the 106th edition of the capital’s premier derby match. A definitive decision on the venue for this highly anticipated and sensitive fixture has not yet been finalized, with several candidate cities under active consideration.
Potential Host Cities in the Running
According to the current planning, a number of cities are in contention to host the event. Mashhad, Shiraz, Arak, and Yazd are presently the top priorities, with one of these urban centers expected to be chosen. To facilitate a precise selection, Mohammad Ansari, the club’s sports deputy, is scheduled to conduct site visits to the stadiums in these cities. These inspections will allow for a close evaluation of technical specifications, security provisions, and spectator capacity.
Fan Presence Deemed Essential
Amidst the evaluations, a proposal originating from within Tehran suggested hosting the match at the Shahre Qods stadium. However, given that this venue is not considered suitable for an event of this magnitude—especially with the expected massive turnout of supporters—a subsequent suggestion was made to hold the match without any spectators. Persepolis club management has firmly and definitively rejected this proposal. From the perspective of the club’s directors, the capital’s derby would lose its fundamental meaning and appeal without the vibrant presence of its passionate fan base.
Final Decision Imminent
Ultimately, Persepolis intends to announce the official derby venue within the next day or two, following a final review and the completion of the necessary site inspections. This timely announcement will allow for security planning, ticket sales, and essential logistical coordination to proceed efficiently. All attention is now focused on which city and stadium will be granted the honor of hosting this significant sporting contest.