Esteghlal Protest Statement After Asian Win: Do Not Ignore the Team's Success

In a statement criticizing the media coverage of the Asian victory of the Blues, the Esteghlal Football Club called for a fair reflection of this success and announced legal pursuit of any content that harms the club's reputation.

In a statement, Esteghlal Club, while criticizing the way the media covered the victory of the Asian Blues, demanded a fair reflection of this success and announced the legal pursuit of cases damaging the club's reputation.

According to Ambassador Arjan and quoted by Esteghlal Club's website, last night's victory of the Blues against Al Gharafa of Qatar in the Asian Elite League could have been an excuse for the common joy of Iranian football fans. But what was observed in some specialized football programs of the national media and sports platforms, instead of focusing on this success, they dealt extensively with marginal issues, including the scrutiny of Yasser Asani's contract and issues related to the team's travel.

This approach poses serious questions to public opinion:

First; Esteghlal is the representative of Iran in words, apparently not in the inside!

If Esteghlal is Iran's representative in Asian competitions, why is this position not considered as expected when winning and gaining honor? Iran's representation should not be just a ceremonial title that is used in the introduction of competitions, but when successful, it should be overshadowed by the sidelines and secondary issues.

Second; In which direction is the national media programming policy going?

For a long time, in some of the football programs of the national media, a kind of orientation has been observed in the selection of subjects and the way of dealing with Esteghlal Club; An approach that, from the club's point of view, is not compatible with the expectations of an inclusive media to observe fairness, balance and professional responsibility.

The national media should belong to all people and reflect the successes of Iranian sports. One cannot expect a club to try to raise the name of Iran in the international arena, but in the media coverage of its successes, it sees an approach that marginalizes the original achievement. Is it not that the success of Iranian teams in Asian competitions will increase Iran's quota?

Esteghlal Club believes that if such a practice continues, a serious review of the media's interaction with programs that do not respect the principles of fairness and professional balance will be inevitable.

Constructive interaction requires mutual respect and adherence to professional principles from all parties.

third; Why is the follow-up of Esteghlal's direct flight to Qatar not liked by some?

Providing a direct flight for the Esteghlal team to Qatar was the result of the follow-up and assistance of the club officials to facilitate the trip and provide more suitable conditions for the team. This action was done in line with the sports interests of the club and with the aim of helping the players to prepare better.

Now this question is raised; Is there anything wrong with trying to improve the travel conditions of an Iranian team, using legal capacities and pursuing the club's professional demands? Has the right of another team been violated in the matter of Esteghlal's direct flight to Qatar? If there is a violation or violation of a right, critics are expected to present their documentation and clear reasons instead of creating ambiguities and marginalization.

Pursuing a right is neither a violation nor an illegal privilege; Rather, it is the duty of managers who have accepted responsibility for the interests of their group. It is better to talk about facts and documents instead of questioning the principle of trying to improve conditions.

fourth; Let's win the game based on the facts, not on the margins

Esteghlal Club is not afraid of criticizing the contract of its players, nor does it want immunity from media questioning. However, reviews are expected to be based on accurate information, clear documentation and professional propriety. Winning on the field should be the main focus of the analysis and other issues should be considered in their true place.

People who are facing many economic problems deserve that the media also recognize the happy moments of sports. The victory of independence may not solve their problems, but it can bring smiles and hope to their homes for a few minutes. We should not allow differences and sidelines to take away this opportunity from the people.

fifth; Esteghlal adheres to the principles of chivalry, but also defends his rights

Esteghlal Club, while fully adhering to the principles of fairness, professional ethics and respect for competitors, emphasizes that this approach does not mean waiving the club's legal rights.

Therefore, Esteghlal Club, while reserving the right to answer and defend its credit and interests, will put legal follow-up on cases involving violations, publication of untrue content or damage to the rights and credit of the club, through the competent authorities. It is obvious that the diagnosis and follow-up of each case is done based on legal documents and regulations.

In the end, we emphasize once again that Esteghlal strives to make Iran's football proud in the Asian arena and expects its successes to be reflected in a fair and responsible way. Esteghlal represents Iran; This title should be respected in practice.