Iran Football League Organization had announced on Tuesday that Super Cup title goes to Persepolis due to Esteghlal’s withdrawal from the final match.
According to Wednesday statement, the organization had held a session on April 2, when Hazfi Cup winner and Professional League champion had not yet been determined, and decided that the Super Cup final will be held on June 20.
On July 2 the organization have sent letters to both Esteghlal and Persepolis, calling for establishment of a match preparation session, the statement reads, adding, but Esteghlal sent a letter on July 3 requesting for changing the match date.
Accordingly, Football League Organization reviewed that request and announced that regarding Esteghlal and Persepolis presence in AFC Champions league quarter-finals and also Team Melli’s participation in AFC Asian Championship, the match cannot be postponed, it adds.
The organization denied Esteghlal’s request and announced it via an official letter on July 14 and special committee was held with both clubs’ representatives on July 17, the statements says, adding, a board member of Esteghlal Akbar Abbasi Maleki participated in the committee saying that he has been carte blanche from the club.
Maleki explicitly stated that Esteghlal will not play Super Cup final on July 29, the statement highlights, adding that related evidence of his remarks is available.
On the other hands, the statements continues, probably 100 thousand spectators would come to Azadi Stadium on the scheduled day and match cancelation would raise security issues.
The League Organization recognized Esteghlal representative’s remarks as a withdrawal and according to guidelines, decided to announce the match 3-0 for Persepolis, however, the case will be referred to disciplinary committee of FFIRI for the final decision, the statement concludes.
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