Hashemian blow for Iran

REPORTS in the Middle East suggest Iran's star striker Vahid Hashemian has asked the Iran Football Federation to temporarily excuse him from national commitments in the near future so he can focus on playing for his club.

IFF official Gholam Hussain Zaman Abadi told reporters that the 24-year-old, who has been in outstanding form for Bundesliga side VFL Bochum this season, was not willing to jeopardise his club career by risking injury while playing for Iran.

"In the past, Hashemian's club football in Germany has been hurt because every time he has been called up, he gets injured," said Zaman Abadi.

"Playing for the national team requires giving up personal benefits and (former Bayern Munich striker) Ali Daei is a great example of a footballer who has sacrificed a lot for the national team.

"Unfortunately, sometimes personal interest makes it difficult for some players to serve the national team. For example, once there was a player who avoided training because he was afraid of getting injured.

"Taking this into consideration, the national team coaches have decided it is best for Hashemian that he be excused from playing for Iran."