Alireza Faghani - Derby 86

Tehran Times - Alireza Faghani has been appointed to take charge of Thursday’s Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium.

The Referee Committee of Iran Football Federation announced on Monday that Faghani will officiate the match.

He will be assisted by Reza Sokhandan and Mohammadreza Mansouri in the derby.

Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 85 times, with Esteghlal winning 25 games, Persepolis taking 21 victories, and 39 matches ending in a draw.

The Tehran derby was chosen as the most important in Asia and the 22nd important derby in the world on June 2008 by the World Soccer Magazine

With six weeks remaining, Persepolis sit at top of Iran Professional League table with 57 points, while Esteghlal are third with 38 points.

Persepolis will lift the Iran league title with a win against their arch-rivals.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will attend the match.

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