Title: League Scheduling Decisions Draw Focus as Esteghlal vs. Sepahan Clash is Postponed
Match Postponed Due to National Team Duties
The highly anticipated Week 10 fixture of the Iran Pro League between Esteghlal and Sepahan, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been officially postponed. The decision, made by the League Organization, aligns with the commencement of a pre-planned training camp for the national football team, a move that prioritizes the country’s international sporting commitments.
Coach’s Disappointment Over Scheduling
The postponement has brought league scheduling into the spotlight. Ricardo Sá Pinto, the Portuguese head coach of Esteghlal, had previously requested club officials to negotiate with the League Organization to hold the match against Sepahan on the original date or a specific alternative. However, the League Organization, citing the national team’s camp as a fixed and immovable engagement, did not accommodate the request. This outcome has been a source of visible frustration for the Esteghlal manager, who had been preparing his squad for the crucial encounter.
Broader Scheduling Concerns Raised by Club
Further adding to the discourse, Esteghlal club has formally communicated additional scheduling concerns to the League Organization. The club highlighted a perceived imbalance in the preparation time for the upcoming Tehran derby against Persepolis in Week 12. According to their statement, Persepolis is set to play its preceding match a week prior to the derby, while Esteghlal is scheduled to play just two days before. This, the club argues, grants their rivals a significant rest advantage. The League Organization has also maintained its position on this matter, rejecting Esteghlal’s request to reschedule the Week 11 fixtures to ensure competitive parity.
