Star of the Iran national team faces life risk after treason accusations.

In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the football world, Sardar Azmoun, the star of the Iran national team and regarded by many as the “Messi of Persia,” has been excluded from the national squad and faces serious accusations of treason. The reason? A simple photograph posted on social media, in which he is seen alongside prominent figures from the United Arab Emirates, has sparked a tsunami of outrage and a potential condemnation for “treason.”

The 31-year-old forward, currently shining at Shabab Al-Ahli, has seen his dream of participating in the World Cup this summer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada crumble. Azmoun has been removed from the squad for the preparatory matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica, a decision that jeopardizes not only his career but also his life. With increasing pressure from the Iranian regime, the player’s situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.

The controversy began when the player shared an image on social media with Bin Rashid and Bin Zayed, leaders of the Emirates. In the caption, Azmoun praised their capabilities, stating: “Meeting one of the brightest minds in the world was a pleasure and an honor.” However, this seemingly innocuous statement was interpreted as a serious offense by Iranian leaders.

The Fars agency, closely linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, did not hesitate to label Azmoun a traitor, stating that his attitude of “not reacting to the crimes of the United States and the Zionist regime” has caused great discontent in the country. The words from the judiciary were clear: any collaboration with “the enemy” would result in “strong actions and confiscation of property.” The pressure on Azmoun is palpable, with sources from the national team confirming that legal measures are underway and that his expulsion has been communicated to all players.

With 57 goals in 91 international appearances, Sardar Azmoun is the second-highest scorer in the history of the Iranian national team. However, his troubles with the regime are not new. Three years ago, he openly criticized the killing of Mahsa Amini by the Morality Police, which led to an attempted exclusion by Iranian authorities ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite the pressure, then-coach Carlos Queiroz decided to keep him in the squad, but now the situation is completely different.

Iranian sports journalist Mohamed Misaghi made strong statements on public television, demanding that players like Azmoun be severely punished: “We should not beat around the bush with this kind of people. We need to tell them that they are not worthy of wearing the national team’s jersey. We have no patience for this childish behavior.” Tensions are running high, and the lingering question is: what will be Sardar Azmoun’s fate? The player’s future and integrity are in serious jeopardy as the Iranian regime demonstrates that it will not tolerate any form of dissent.