Overview
- Media reports published Friday said prosecutors in Golestan province seized the striker’s properties, horses and riding stables as part of a case accusing him of supporting hostile powers.
- Officials have opened an investigation into 16 alleged backers of the United States and Israel, and Azmoun is listed in that group according to the Iranian sports portal Varzesh3.
- Azmoun was dropped from the national team in March after posting an Instagram photo with UAE leaders, including Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, which state TV labeled a betrayal.
- Winger Mehdi Torabi was called up in his place, underscoring a selection shift toward players seen as loyal to the government.
- Observers note Azmoun has criticized Iran’s Islamic system in the past, and they view the case as part of a wider clampdown that also clouds Iran’s World Cup plans under new travel bans for so‑called hostile countries.