"Sardar Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals, was the most notable absentee from a 35-man squad named by head coach Amir Ghalenoei for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica."
"Azmoun upset the Iranian authorities this week by posting a picture on his Instagram feed of a meeting with Dubai's ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum."
"A report by the Fars news agency, which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited an informed source within the national team as saying Azmoun had been expelled from the team."
"Iran's participation in the World Cup is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada in June and July."
Sardar Azmoun has been excluded from Iran's squad for World Cup warm-ups following reports of disloyalty to the government. The striker, with 57 goals in 91 internationals, was notably absent from the 35-man squad for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica. His Instagram post featuring Dubai's ruler angered Iranian authorities amid ongoing tensions. A report indicated his expulsion from the team, but the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran did not comment. The squad also included a first call-up for Dennis Eckert, a German-born striker with Iranian ancestry.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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