Title: Esteghlal FC Seeks Additional Foreign Player Allocation Ahead of Asian Competitions
Tehran – Esteghlal Football Club has formally submitted a request to the Football Federation and the League Organization seeking an increase to its foreign player quota for the upcoming season.
The club’s current roster includes seven foreign players, following the recent acquisition of Moroccan defender Munir El Haddadi, a former FC Barcelona player. To comply with the existing 6+1 foreign player regulation, which permits six foreign players plus one from an AFC member nation, the club has delisted Uzbek forward Jaloliddin Masharipov due to injury.
Asian Champions League Ambitions Drive Request
Club officials have justified the request by highlighting Esteghlal’s upcoming participation in the AFC Champions League 2. The club contends that an additional foreign player slot is essential to build a more competitive squad capable of succeeding on the continental stage. The appeal aims to secure permission to register an eighth foreign player, thereby enhancing the team’s depth and quality for the demanding schedule of domestic and international fixtures.
The current foreign contingent at Esteghlal includes:
- Antonio Adan (Spain)
- Rustam Ashurmatov (Uzbekistan)
- Didier Ndong (Gabon)
- Duxances Nazon (Ivory Coast)
- Moussa Gnepo (Ivory Coast)
- Yasser Al-Asani (Syria)
- Munir El Haddadi (Morocco)
Awaiting a Decision
The decision now rests with the Football Federation and the League Organization. The governing bodies will review the appeal against the framework of the league’s regulations, which currently cap foreign player registrations at seven, including one Asian player. The outcome will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for Esteghlal’s preparation and strategy for the new season.