Star man for his team, he'll miss the World Cup over betrayal 🤯 | OneFootball

The axe has fallen.

This Monday, Iran unveiled its list of players called up to compete in the World Cup. 

One major absence stands out: that of Sardar Azmoun, the “Iranian Messi,” a 31-year-old striker who notably played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma.

Now playing for Shabab AlAhli Dubai FC, Azmoun has been accused by the Iranian authorities of “treason” and a “disloyal act.” 

The reason? He posted a photo on his Instagram account, which has more than 5.8 million followers, showing him alongside the Emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a United States ally and supporter of Donald Trump in his war against Iran.

Although it was quickly deleted, the photo earned him sanctions from the Iranian authorities and made him ineligible for a call-up to this World Cup!

As a reminder, Iran is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 - - AFP or Licensors