Rewritten Title: Tractor Tabriz Challenges Cup Match Ruling, Club Official Cites Competitive Disadvantage
Article:
A Contentious Decision
Following a recent cup match, Tractor Tabriz’s team supervisor, Khodadad Azizi, has publicly criticized a decision by the Iranian Football Federation’s Appeals Committee. The ruling mandates that Tractor’s upcoming Hazfi Cup match against Persepolis be played behind closed doors at their home stadium in Tabriz.
Azizi described the verdict as “unjust,” arguing it places his team at a significant competitive disadvantage in the critical knockout stage of the tournament.
Club Official Voices Concerns
In his statements, Azizi outlined the club’s formal plans to contest the decision. He emphasized the unique nature of cup matches, where a single loss results in elimination. “We are filing an official protest with the Appeals Committee so that they can at least find a solution for this one-sided cup match,” Azizi stated. He added that any club in this position, including Persepolis, would rightfully raise similar concerns.
Highlighting the tangible impact, the supervisor noted, “We are at a disadvantage in the cup match because we cannot have our spectators. Then, naturally, if we manage to defeat Persepolis here, the next match will be away, making our task even more difficult.”
Context of the Ruling
The Appeals Committee’s decision stems from a highly publicized match between the two clubs last season. As a disciplinary measure, both Tractor and Persepolis were ordered to play their head-to-head matches without spectators for two consecutive seasons. The first of these fan-less encounters was held in the ninth week of the league at Tabriz’s Bonyan Diesel Stadium.
