HAZFI CUP: IRANIAN TOURNAMENT ENTERS DECISIVE PHASE IN BATTLE FOR ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

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May - June 2025

Iran


While European football enjoys most of the media attention, the 38th edition of the prestigious Iranian Hazfi Cup is reaching its climax in the Middle East. This traditional competition, running from November 2024 to June 2025, offers not only a prestigious trophy but also a ticket to the Asian Champions League.

The Hazfi Cup, often nicknamed the "Iranian FA Cup," was established in 1976 (originally as the Pahlavi Cup) and employs a knockout format similar to the English FA Cup. The winner earns a valuable spot in the AFC Champions League Elite qualification, significantly increasing the motivation of all participating teams.

Sepahan is the defending champion, but the most successful clubs in the competition's history are Tehran rivals Esteghlal and Persepolis, who have each won seven titles. Their potential encounters are among the hottest rivalries in all of Asia - the Tehran derby regularly attracts millions of viewers.

The Hazfi Cup is also interesting because it offers smaller clubs a chance to eliminate favorites and make history, similar to European cup competitions. These surprising results add to the competition's attractiveness and unpredictability.

Since the 2011-12 season, the Hazfi Cup final has been played as a single match, whereas previously the winner was decided over two legs. In case of a draw after 90 minutes, extra time follows and potentially a penalty shootout.

The history of the competition is closely linked to the development of modern Iran. After the Iranian revolution in 1979, the cup was renamed from Pahlavi Cup to the current Hazfi Cup. In the 1980s, when no league competition was played in the country, the cup winner represented Iran in the Asian Champions Cup. Since 2002, the winner has regularly earned a place in Asian club competitions.

Fans around the world can follow Hazfi Cup matches through live broadcasts on specialized sports platforms, real-time updates including live score services, or through the social media of Iranian football clubs.

Photo: source XYZ

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