Esteghlal FC nears decision on new CEO amid transfer window uncertainty

The selection process for the new CEO of Esteghlal FC has entered a decisive phase. Three final candidates have been presented to Mohammad Shariatmadari of Khalij Fars Holding: Shahabuddin Azizi Khadem, a former president of the Football Federation; Hamid Sajjadi, the former Minister of Sports and Youth; and Mostafa Motedin, a middle manager within the holding.

Ali Tajarnia, the current chairman and acting CEO, has addressed recent club uncertainties, including the status of the transfer window. Tajarnia noted that while there was hope for the window to open, the club faces a penalty involving the closure of two transfer windows. He expressed caution regarding the possibility of signing three free agents, stating that the current strategy focuses on players joining the squad during the mid-season, unless legal ambiguities are resolved sooner.

Tajarnia also clarified his administrative role, noting that he has not utilized ‘plenipotentiary’ powers in the past 18 months, adhering to corporate governance standards.