Iran's national football team head coach Amir Ghalenoei announced a preliminary 30-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, notably excluding veteran striker Sardar Azmoun.

The 31-year-old forward, who plays for Dubai's Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE, reportedly angered Iranian authorities in March by posting a photo on Instagram of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Iranian media claimed the act was perceived as disloyalty to the government amid tensions with the US and Israel.

A report by Fars News Agency in March quoted an anonymous source saying Azmoun had been expelled from the squad. The player later deleted the photo but faced criticism on state television.

Azmoun has scored 57 goals in 91 appearances for Iran and was part of the squad in the last two World Cups. His absence leaves Mehdi Taremi, currently playing for Greek club Olympiacos, as the leading forward.

The 30-player squad will travel to Turkey on Monday for a training camp, friendlies, and visa processing before heading to the United States. The final 26-man roster must be submitted by June 1.

Iran will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

Source: www.aljazeera.com