Iranian Footballer Expelled from National Team for Life After Playing Against Israeli Club

The Iranian footballer who was permanently expelled from the national team for playing with his Greek club, Panionos, in a match against an Israeli team broke his silence on Friday to indicate that he had no intention of offending Iran.

"My country has always been and will always be my priority. I have always tried my best to be a worthy representative of Iran", wrote Masoud Shojaei on his Instagram account. A few weeks ago, he played against Maccabi Tel Aviv from Israel in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.

Both him and his compatriot and teammate, Ehsan Haji Safi, were removed from the national team on August 10 for playing in that match with their club, Panionos from Athens.

The government of Tehran believes that participating in a sports event against Israeli athletes is equivalent to recognizing the State of Israel and, consequently, abandoning the Palestinian cause.

"Ehsan Haji Safi and Masoud Shojaei are no longer part of the Iranian national team because they have crossed a red line", said Iranian Sports Minister Mohammad Reza Davarz on August 10.

However, after a wave of protests on social media and an investigation by FIFA -which prohibits any political interference in national teams-, the Islamic Republic seems to be backtracking.

According to the Isna news agency, the Iranian Football Federation denied the sanctions against the two players in a letter addressed to FIFA on August 13.

On Instagram, 33-year-old Shojaei responded to those who accused him of "disrespecting" Iranian martyrs.

"I am a child of war, I come from a city that sacrificed and resisted", wrote the football player in reference to the conflict Iran and Iraq fought in the 1980s.

Israel and Iran consider each other enemies and do not maintain any diplomatic relationship.