Title: Esteghlal FC Takes Contract Dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
In a significant move to resolve a contentious player contract issue, Esteghlal Football Club has formally escalated its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The club’s leadership is expressing strong confidence in their legal position as they seek a favorable ruling.
A Contractual Dispute Unfolds
The core of the issue revolves around Iraqi player Mohammed Waad. The player joined Esteghlal on a two-year contract in the summer of 2023. However, after a loan spell to another club, Mes Rafsanjan, Esteghlal made the decision to unilaterally terminate his contract. This action has since led to a complex legal challenge for the Tehran-based club.
Ali Tajernia, the Chairman of Esteghlal’s Board of Directors, addressed the situation directly. “The verdict that was issued against us in this matter is truly unjust,” he stated, emphasizing the club’s determination to defend its rights through proper legal channels.
Pursuing a Legal Remedy
Tajernia outlined the club’s proactive legal strategy. He confirmed that Esteghlal has assembled a strong case with the help of individuals who have been involved from the beginning. “The club has collected compelling documentation and placed it in the hands of expert attorneys,” he explained.
The club has now submitted its official appeal to CAS. The immediate goal is to obtain an interim order that would allow Esteghlal to access the player transfer window, which is currently blocked due to the ongoing dispute. “We are hopeful that in the short term we will receive the interim order to reopen the club’s transfer window, and subsequently, this problem will be completely resolved,” Tajernia added.
A Separate Challenge: The Foreign Player Quota
In a related development, the club is also working to resolve a separate issue concerning its foreign player quota with the Iranian Football League Organization. The quota was reportedly lost due to the non-utilization of two Bosnian players.
Tajernia confirmed that Esteghlal has submitted all necessary documentation to have the quota reinstated. “Promises have been made to us in this regard, but nothing has been officially finalized yet. We are hopeful this will happen,” he commented. Should the quota be restored, the club would be cleared to register new international signings, including players Masharipov or Joel Kojo, providing a significant boost to the team’s roster options.
Esteghlal’s management appears resolved to navigate these administrative and legal hurdles efficiently to stabilize the club’s sporting future.