Iran to investigate issue of soccer players playing against Israel

Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Masoud Soltanifar made the remarks in reaction to global soccer body FIFA which has asked for further information on the issue.

In a statement released by Reuters on Saturday, FIFA has asked Iran to clarify on the status of Masoud Shojaie and Ehsan Hajjsafi who played for Panionios against Zionist regime’s Maccabi Tel Aviv one week ago in a Europe League match.

“We are currently monitoring the matter and will request additional information from the Iran Football Federation,” said a FIFA spokesperson in an e-mailed statement. “We have no further comment for the time being.”

Mohammad Reza Davarzani an official in Iran's Sport Ministry had previously condemned the act of Iranian football players, noting that 'They have crossed the red lines.'

FIFA rules prohibits interference of politics in sport and the national teams and the clubs of any country that breach this rule will be deprived of participating in the international games.

Iran has been qualified for World Club 2018 to be held in Russia.

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