PLDC - Akbar Ghamkhar, chairman of Persepolis of Tehran, expressed the opinion
that Yadegar Imam Stadium in Tabriz was the ideal place for holding the Esteghlal – Persepolis match in the 11th week of the Professional
League. He went on to add, “Because Persepolis is host to Esteghlal in the
11th week of the Professional League, our choice is Yadegar Imam Stadium in Tabriz. It is not suitable to hold the match in Isfahan as
Persepolis will meet Sepahan there in the 10th week. The results there will not
be the reality as Persepolis will face Esteghlal on the same turf for a second match. A victory, draw or loss in Isfahan will have many side
issues following it and this is not in the interests of a team like Persepolis. Persepolis has many supporters in Tabriz too and as the climatic
conditions resemble Tashkent the match should take place there.”
“There are no disagreements among Persepolis fans and we must not pay attention to those making side issues for the club and rumours such as
fan disputes and club crisis. Like many fans, I also support Ali Parvin (head coach of Persepolis) and am completely behind him.”
“The main reason why the offer of Persepolis to host the Asian Clubs Cup was rejected was because the previously hosted matches were not held
in a suitable way. Apart from this the quality of the pitches and the
progress of Uzbekistan in football were other excuses which prevented us being the hosts.”
“Persepolis is now completely ready and we have no special problems. We are only interested in getting to the top of the table and becoming
league champions and it is not important which teams we face in the league.”