Iran has banned two players from representing the national team after facing an Israeli club in the Europa League, a government spokesperson announced.
Iran captain Masoud Shojaei, 33, and midfielder Ehsan Haji Safi, 27, played for Greece’s Panionios against Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv last week.
Even though they sat out the first leg of the Europa League qualifier in Israel, they featured in the 1-0 loss at home to Tel Aviv on 4 August (AEST), which is still a violation of Iran’s government policy.
Iran does not recognise Israel as a country and has barred its athletes from playing against any Israeli teams.
Read the full article at Be In Sports.