Iran expels star striker Azmoun over 'disloyalty,' likely out of World Cup‎

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States. Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup.