AFC demands documentation on Yaser Asani's eligibility for Esteghlal

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has intervened in a legal dispute regarding the eligibility of Albanian player Yaser Asani to play for Esteghlal FC. Following complaints from several Iranian clubs, including Persepolis, Sepahan, Mes Shahre Babak, and Aluminium Arak, the AFC has requested additional documentation from the Football Federation of Iran (FFI).

The AFC has reportedly issued a limited timeframe for the FFI to provide detailed evidence concerning the player's contract termination, official notices sent before the season began, and the legality of his participation during Esteghlal's transfer window restrictions. Persepolis management has indicated they possess exclusive documents to prove the illegality of Asani's presence in the squad and may escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Legal experts suggest that even if the AFC accepts the claims of rival clubs, it may not result in Esteghlal's match results being overturned to 3-0 losses. One legal analyst noted that because Asani was already registered with the club and not considered a 'new player' under specific disciplinary terms, his participation might not violate transfer bans regarding the registration of new players.