The Coronavirus’ influence on the world continues. After 78,994 cases worldwide and 2,470 casualties as a result of the fast-spreading epidemic, the football world has faced its impact as well.
After the virus abolished the Chinese football schedule completely and caused a full postponement of matches in Northern Italy, it is now taking over the Iranian scene as well.
In Iran, up to date, there were 43 total cases of the virus, with the death toll claiming 8 lives so far. It is reported in the past few days, that flights which took off from Iran and landed in Lebanon, Iraq, were carrying travellers who have the virus.
While the 21st matchday was supposed to take place this week, according to reports, from Monday, February 24th, all national football activity in the country is suspended for at least ten days.
Sunday’s matches already took place behind closed doors. Shahr Khodrou against NAFT MS and Esteghlal versus Zob Ahan were played in front of zero fans, while the Clásico between Sepahan to Persepolis was postponed entirely. The reason behind it was Sepahan refusal to play the match in front of an empty stadium and lose valuable income. According to different sources, Persepolis’ players and the officials were on the pitch ready to play, but the host team did not arrive at the stadium at all, as a protest on the short notice it was given. According to Iranian FA laws, this should be a 3-0 victory to Persepolis.
“After a half-hour delay on the game, Persepolis and the referee were on the field as per the FA committee request”, explained in a tweet Alireza Ashraf, Persepolis spokesperson, “but Sepahan didn't even come out to warm up. With the approval of the referee and the game supervisor, we waited longer than the right time”, he added.
While Iran is in the middle of an election campaign and hard fought battle with the corona virus, it seems that football is now paying the price. As always in the Islamic Republic, each situation has various interpretation and attitudes by local actors.