Tehran Derby from the Perspective of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) - 2003-06-13

In all countries around the world, football matches of certain teams hold such significance among spectators and players that it seems no other matches are recorded in the calendars of those countries. The matches between Glasgow Rangers and Celtic, Liverpool and Everton, and Inter Milan and AC Milan are part of this type of competition. Add to this list the match between Esteghlal and Persepolis, which has always overshadowed all other competitions. According to the Student News Agency of Iran (ISNA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has published an article examining this match, the special conditions surrounding it, and the reasons for its socio-political importance. The article states: The Tehran Derby is a unique event in its own right, and the excitement surrounding this match is also unparalleled. This match goes beyond a mere sporting competition and significantly impacts various socio-political aspects of life in Iran in general and Tehran in particular. In a bipolar football league, where everything culminates in these two teams, the unique interest in this derby is not surprising. From a sporting values perspective, this match rarely manages to attract tactical insights and the inner satisfaction of spectators, players, and team officials. Because when the sole focus is on winning, beautiful football and related concepts are often forgotten when these two teams face each other. The report continues: Two hours before the match begins, the 100,000-seat Azadi Stadium is usually filled with spectators, who climb the walls to occupy all available spaces. Unfortunately, the overwhelming pressure of the crowd, traffic, and difficulties reaching the stadium have caused spectators' patience to wear thin, often leading to scenes far removed from the reality of football. One of the notable differences in this season's matches compared to previous seasons is that Sepahan has secured its championship, and the battle is for the second title. However, when it comes to a local derby, much more significant issues arise than concerns about statistics and standings in the Premier League.