| TheOriginalWinger

In order to comply with the Islamic dress code which is mandatory in the Islamic Republic, Iran's women footballers play in full tracksuits and head coverings that conceal their hair ... but ... Fifa's rules for the 2012 Olympics state that: "Players and officials shall not display political, religious, commercial or personal messages or slogans in ...

When I was a teenager I played some of my most formidable years under the guidance of Afshin Ghotbi and his club AGSS. In fact, one of my teammates at AGSS was John O'Brien and Afshin helped him get his first look at Ajax.  Pete Vagenas was also a member of AGSS and Afshin was definitely an influential coach for a whole lot of soon to be successful ...

Brasil are 3-0 winners against Iran in a friendly, and this new look Brasil looks very promising. The highlight today had to be Dani Alves' ridiculous free kick. This is absolutely incredible. Enjoy.

'I bet you recall this historical World Cup match in 98 and the power it had to unite future generations. Cool little documentary about the power that soccer can have on countries with differences.' Thanks to Francisco for the heads up

After the VERY public political statement made with green wristbands during Iran's 2009 World Cup Qualifier against South Korea in protest against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disputed re-election and subsequent lifetime ban handed down for Captain Mehdi Mahdavikia, Ali Karimi, Hosein Ka’abi and Vahid Hashemian, FIFA has sent a letter to the Football ...

"Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia and two other Iranian players are 'retired' after sporting green wristbands (as a sign of protest) in their World Cup qualifier in Seoul" (more...)

World events spilled onto the pitch when six members of Iran's national team, in South Korea for a World Cup Qualifier, wore green wristbands - the color used by Mr. Mousavi in his election campaign. (more...)

"Iran and the United States have agreed on the date for two friendly soccer matches to be played between their national teams, the state-run Press TV channel reported on Sunday." The 100,000 seat Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran (pictured above) is the largest stadium in Asia.  Security will be important, I would think. (more...)