Two members of Iran’s national soccer team have been banned for life because they played in a game against an Israeli team.
The two players, Masoud Shojaei, the national team captain, and Ehsan Haji Safi, played last week for their Greek club against an Israeli team. Iran’s hardline Islamic government does not recognize the State of Israel and will not allow its athletes to compete in any contest against Israelis, including the Olympics.
“It is certain that Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Haji Safi will never be invited to join the national football team because they violated the red line,” Mohammad Reza Davarzani, Iran’s deputy sports minister, said Thursday on Iranian state television.
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