TEHRAN: Iran took off to South Africa on Tuesday for their first pre-World Cup training camp with only 11 players and no goalkeeper, local media reported.
The camp, set to last until May 7, is Iran’s first significant gathering since qualifying for the 2014 tournament last June and comes just 57 days ahead of the team’s first match in Brazil.

But four Iranian clubs — Esteghlal, Sepahan, Foulad and Teraktor-Sazi, who are still involved in the Asian Champions League — refused to let players join the national team. The poor turnout can only be considered a severe setback for the national side’s prospects.

By The News

 

The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.