Strike by Esteghlal Khuzestan Football Team Members Due to Unpaid Dues

Players of the Esteghlal Khuzestan football team refused to travel to Oman for a match against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in protest against "financial problems." The players, who are set to face Al-Hilal in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League on May 23, did not show up for their scheduled flight on Saturday, May 19. Iranian news agencies, including Tasnim, reported that the players are demanding part of their "dues," which the club officials have so far been unable to fulfill. Ali Pourkiani, the deputy of Esteghlal Khuzestan, told Mehr News Agency that the players were supposed to arrive in Tehran at 10:45 AM and then depart for Oman in the afternoon, but none of them showed up at the airport. Mr. Kiani added that the players' dues are expected to be paid within one or two months, but they insist they will not participate in training until they receive part of their contracts. Bahman Roshanaei, the team manager, stated that the players spontaneously decided not to come to the airport, despite the arrangements made for their trip, including visas and hotel bookings. Roshanaei lamented that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred, mentioning that the players did not train with the team after the match against Al-Jazira. He expressed that he does not justify the players' actions, as this is a national issue that could jeopardize Iranian football, potentially reducing Iran's football quota, and questioned who might be inciting the players behind the scenes. In an interview with Tasnim, Roshanaei criticized the players' strike as inappropriate, stating, "I have a complaint against the players for striking over a national issue." He added that he believes this behavior harms not only the players but also the federation and the clubs in the AFC Champions League. Meanwhile, midfielder Mehdi Momeni told IRNA that although the league has ended this year, the players have not yet received their payments. He pointed out that the players are suffering from financial issues and asked, "How long must we play without money? Why is no one helping us?" Forward Mehdi Zabidi also mentioned that all players are facing financial difficulties and questioned how they can play football under such conditions. According to IRNA, based on the Asian Confederation's regulations, if Esteghlal Khuzestan players do not attend the match against Al-Hilal, they will be banned for the next season and will not be able to participate in the transfer market. Additionally, heavy fines will be imposed on the club by the Asian Football Confederation.