Sardar Azmoun Expelled from Iran Squad Amidst Controversy

Azmoun expelled from Iran team amidst tensions between Iran and UAE

Iran star striker Sardar Azmoun left out of squad after meeting Dubai's ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Iran's Azmoun dropped over perceived disloyalty to government.

Sardar Azmoun omitted from Iran squad for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica...

Iran's star striker Sardar Azmoun has been left out of the national squad for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, reportedly due to a perceived act of disloyalty to the government. Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals, was the most notable absence from the 35-man squad announced by coach Amir Ghalenoei.

The Iranian media, citing sources close to the national team, claims Azmoun was expelled after posting a picture on Instagram of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, amidst tensions between Iran and the UAE. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has not commented on the matter.

Sardar Azmoun, who plays for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE, sparked controversy by posting a photo with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Instagram. This move upset Iranian authorities, likely due to the current tensions between Iran and the UAE.

The tensions escalated after Iran launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE, following air strikes by the US and Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

🚨 Sardar Azmoun, Iran’s ‘9’, has been EXPELLED from the national team by government decision just three months before the World Cup. ❌🇮🇷

Days earlier, he met with the ruler of Dubai and vice president of the UAE, a country seen as an adversary of Iran.

He even shared photos… pic.twitter.com/dlwgwIVdA5

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 20, 2026

The Fars News Agency, linked to Iran's hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported Azmoun's expulsion, citing a national team source. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) hasn't commented on Azmoun's status 

Iran's World Cup participation is uncertain due to the ongoing conflict with the US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada. The squad's inclusion of Dennis Eckert, a German-born striker with Iranian ancestry, adds an interesting dynamic.

Eckert, who plays for Standard Liege in Belgium, received his first call-up, highlighting the team's efforts to strengthen its lineup amidst uncertainty.