Iran national football team selection sparks youth policy debate

The inclusion of 20-year-old Persepolis player Amir Hossein Mohammadi in the Iran national football team's latest roster for friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Russia has sparked debate regarding the team's youth policy.

Critics have questioned the criteria for Mohammadi's selection, noting that he has played only 24 minutes in total for Persepolis this season, appearing in just two matches without recording a goal or an assist. While the Football Federation has framed the new list as a move toward youth integration, observers point out that other players included, such as Saman Fallah (25), Mohammad Mehdi Mohbi (26), and Mehdi Limouchi (26), do not strictly fit the definition of young players.

Furthermore, the roster continues to feature veteran players, leading to arguments that the current selection process does not represent a genuine shift toward a younger squad.