TEHRAN: The Iranian Football Federation has excluded captain Masoud Shojaei for World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Syria but deny it is punishment for playing against an Israeli club. Shojaei and his compatriot Ehsan Haji Safi came in for criticism in Iran when they turned out for their Greek side Panionios in an August 3 home Europa League qualifier against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Sunday’s squad, announced by already qualified Iran’s Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, included Ehsan Haji Safi but omitted Shojaei. The initial reaction from Deputy Sports Minister Mohammad Reza Davarzani suggested the pair would both be banned for violating the country’s “red line”. They broke a tradition of the taboo of appearing against Israeli athletes, which Iran interprets as recognition of the Jewish sate. Published in Daily Times, August 28th 2017.