No pressure on Iranian players to retire, Taj says

Some media reported Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi have been forced to quit the national team after wearing green bands in support of the country’s opposition movement during the South Korea – Iran match which was held in Seoul last week.

“Both of them (Kia and Karimi) are our big assets and played with all their heart during the past years. We are satisfied with their performances in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. They made the decision to retire from the national team to pave way for young players,” Taj said.

IFF is ready to hold a farewell match for them if they want it, he added.

Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi hung up their boots on Tuesday after making each 111 caps for the national team.