Persepolis F.C.

Persepolis F.C.
Persepolis Teheran Logo.svg
Full name Persepolis Tehran Football Club
Nickname(s) ارتش سرخ (The Red Army)
سرخپوشان (The Reds)
شیرها (Lions)
Founded December 1963[1]
Ground Azadi Stadium
West Tehran
(Capacity: 90,000[2])
Owner National Sports Organization
Chairman Iran Habib Kashani
Head Coach Iran Ali Daei
League Iran Pro League
2009-10 Iran Pro League,4th
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
Current season
Departments of Persepolis
Football pictogram.svg
Football		 Basketball pictogram.svg
Basketball		 Volleyball (indoor) pictogram.svg
Volleyball
Taekwondo pictogram.svg
Taekwondo		 Futsal pictogram.svg
Futsal		 Swimming pictogram.svg
Swimming
The ancient column from Persepolis serves as a symbol for the team

Persepolis Football Club (Persian: باشگاه فوتبال پرسپولیس, pronounced Perspolis) is an Iranian football club based in Tehran, Iran. While the original name of the club is Persepolis, it is also called Piroozi (meaning victory) in Iran. The name Persepolis means Persian City which was once the richest city in the world located in Persia, and is believed to have been derived from the Greek prefix Πέρσης (Persian) and Πόλις (city). Among the Iranian clubs, Persepolis has had the most impressive record of titles.[3][4][5] The Tehran derby between Persepolis and its arch rivals Esteghlal, is always a closely followed match and victory or loss can make it or break it for one of teams. The historical Tehran derby in the 1970s will never be forgotten by Persepolis fans as the match involved Persepolis thrashing their rivals Esteghlal 6-0.

According to the AFC, Persepolis is the most famous and popular football clubs in Asia. Only Dalian Shide and Al-Hilal have similar support in Asia.According to Navad, 61% of Iranian football fans support Persepolis.

Persepolis F.C. is the football club of the multisport Persepolis Athletic and Cultural Club.

Contents

History

Shahin F.C. (1942–1967)

Shahin F.C. was established in 1942 by Dr.Abbas Ekrami.[6]

Ekrami was a teacher and based the club with help of some young students and the motto:

“ اول اخلاق ، دوم درس ، سوم ورزش
First Ethics, Second Education, Third Sports [7]		 ”

—Shahin F.C. Motto
Shahin F.C.
many of Persepolis future players are seen

Shahin produced many talented players like Parviz Dehdari, Masoud Boroumand, Homayoun Behzadi, Jafar Kashani, Hossein Kalani, Hamid Shirzadegan and many more that played for Team Melli. These talents made Shahin extremely popular in 1960s but its very popularity was viewed as a threat by the Iran Football Federation and the Keihan Varzeshi Newspaper (Iran's most important Sports publication at the time) against them.[8]

The conflict between them became worse and on July 9, 1967; two days after Shahin’s 3-0 win against Tehranjavan F.C. , “Iran Sports Organization” declared Shahin F.C. as dissolved.[8] After that, league attendance dropped and other clubs including Pas, Rah Ahan and Oghab tried to sign Shahin players.[7] Despite the efforts to sign and disperse Shahin players at various clubs, Parviz Dehdari and Masoud Boroumand transferred Shahin’s popularity to Persepolis F.C. by taking most Shahin Players to join Persepolis.

Establishment early years (1963–1969)

Persepolis was established in 1963 by Ali Abdo. Abdo had come to Iran from the United States and was a championship boxer. When the football club was established as well, it was quite weak, and participated in the 2nd division of the country. The best player on the team then was Mahmoud Khordbin. When Shahin F.C. was dissolved, a number of the Shahin players moved to Persepolis, thanks to Parviz Dehdari and Masoud Boroumand. The club had a friendly match with Jam Abadan, (a respected team at the time),and used 4 Shahin players in that match and afterward the remainder of the Shahin players joined Persepolis as well. Persepolis started the 1968 season with Parviz Dehdari as manager. That year no league competition was held, as many teams had been dissolved, so a 44 team tournament was held, and Persepolis, along with Pas, Taj, and Oghab finished top of the group. The next year they represented as the first Iranian clubs in the Asian Champion Club Tournament held in Thailand, but they were not successful and were eliminated in the group stage.

Takht Jamshid Cup (1969–1979)

From left to right:
Safar Iranpak, Homayoun Behzadi and Hossein Kalani
Impressive Persepolis players in Takht Jamshid Cup

In 1962, the Iran Universal factory was opened.[9] In 1969, The boss of the automobile factory, Mahmoud Khayami, who was also the owner of a weak football team, was a big fan of Shahin. Khayami who wanted to promote his new product Paykan and improve his football team, entered into negotiations with Persepolis and was able to get all former Shahin players except Aziz Asli and Mahmoud Khordbin to join his new team Paykan Tehran F.C..[10] Paykan won the championship that year, but the new players moved back to Persepolis after one year.[10] In 1971, Persepolis decisively won its first ever championship in the Iranian League.[11] Persepolis had an unbeaten season with 13 wins and 1 draw, in 14 weeks. In 1972, Abdo announced Persepolis as the first professional football club in Iran. The club did not enter the domestic league and only played against foreign clubs, but Persepolis’ professionalism was not reciprocated by other clubs and a few months later it became amateur again.[12] Next year the Takht Jamshid Cup was established[13] and Persepolis was able to win the first Takht Jamshid Cup in 1973 and another one just two seasons later in 1975.[14] Persepolis is the most successful club in Takht Jamshid Cup clinching two championship titles and finishing three times as runner-up.[15]

Success under tough conditions (1979–1990)

When the Iranian Revolution took place, Abdo returned to United States, Although Persepolis won Espandi Cup, the club fell apart and many of the old players did not return.[16]

The club's property was sequestered by "The Oppressed and Veterans Foundation" (Persian: بنیاد مستضعفان و جانبازان ) and the club placed under the responsibility of "The Physical Education Department" (Persian: سازمان تربیت بدنی) of Iran.[16]

In 1981, the Physical Education Department declared that name of the club will change but club officials, players and fans opposed the move. [17] The team didn't appear in the match against Homa in the Tehran league in protest to Physical Education Department. According to the regulations, they lost the match 3-0 and Homa became champion, and they lost the championship because of it.[17] In 1986, The club was taken over by "the Oppressed and Veterans Foundation" and renamed into Azadi (Persian: آزادی, means freedom).[17] Players declared that if the name changes, they won't play for the club.[17] After a brief period the Foundation did not want the club anymore and it was taken to the Physical Education Department again. On February 16, 1987 the Physical Education Department renamed the club as Pirouzi (Persian: پیروزی, means victory) with players agreement,[17] although fans still call the team by its original name, Persepolis.[17]

In 1980s the club only played in the Tehran League and various elimination tournaments. Persepolis was extremely successful during this time and maintained its popularity, winning the Tehran League five seasons in a row. During all that time, Ali Parvin served his career in the club as a Player-manager.

Revitalization (1990–2001)

The 1990s were a dream decade for the team, four league championships, two Hazfi Cups, dozens of great players and renewed support saw the team regaining the form and spirit th of the '60s and '70s team. At one point more than six Persepolis players were starters on Iran's national team.

The team first put itself back in the spotlight by winning the national championship in the 1995–96 season. At one point in that season they were 10 points behind Firouz Karimi's Bahman F.C., but were able to storm back and finish first, six points ahead of the league runner up. They were able to win the league again the next season, once again finishing ahead of the runner up by six more points. They were stopped by Korean side, Pohang Steelers in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions' Cup. Persepolis finished third, defeating Iraq's Al-Zawraa in the 3rd place match.

The next season they showed good form again, but due to their commitments in the Asian Champions Cup' and the large number of national team players they had they withdrew from the league. The poor scheduling and mismanagement of both the I.R.I.F.F. and AFC officials led to this unprofessional event. This prevented Persepolis from possibly winning a third consecutive league championship. Persepolis did not have much luck in the Asian Champion's cup either, as they were once again stopped in the semi-finals, this time by Chinese club, Dalian Wanda. They lost the 3rd place match as well to Al-Hilal. The 1996–97 and 1997–98 Persepolis teams are considered by many to be among the greatest Iranian clubs to ever play. National team players and future superstars such as Ahmadreza Abedzadeh, Khodadad Azizi, Karim Bagheri, Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Mehrdad Minavand, Ali Karimi and many more were among the players who played for the club in those years.

After World Cup 1998, several of Persepolis' best players were transferred to European clubs, but Persepolis was able to keep a talented squad. Future national team members, Ali Karimi and Hamed Kavianpour would join the team at the time, dazzling many with their skill and flair during games. They won the 1998–99 championship as well as the Hazfi Cup that season. They also won the 1999–2000 league championship, finishing third again in the Asian Champions Cup. This would be their last championship in the Azadegan League era.

Most of Persepolis' championships at the time were won while Ali Parvin was the manager, and Amirali Abedini was the chairmen. While they did help win many trophies for Persepolis, most agree that with the amount of talent they had, any other result would be surprising.

IPL era (2001–2008)

Persepolis entered the newly established IPL looking to dominate once again, but near the end of the season they were in a very close race with their rival Esteghlal. Esteghlal had 2 Points more than Persepolis before the last day but Esteghlal's loss to Malavan and Persepolis' win against Fajr Sepasi on the last day of the league, gave Persepolis a one point lead and another championship. Persepolis Won Fajr Sepasi 1-0 in that match. Their 2001–02 season championship made them the first-ever IPL champions. The next season though was the beginning of the fall of the team. The 2002–03 proved to be extremely difficult and Persepolis finished third, never managing to come close to eventual winners, Sepahan. They also fell apart in the newly created AFC Champions League, failing to advance out of the group stage.

When Akbar Ghamkhar took over as club chairman, he made a series of promises, that he insisted would help the team gain its old form. He made the amount of player and staff salaries publicly known, severely angering Parvin who was making more than any of the players on the team. Ghamkhar hired Vinko Begović, and went on a spending spree, buying several prominent players. Persepolis started off very well in the 2003–04 season but eventually fell apart, as rumors of team disharmony appeared. Begovic left the team and German manager Rainer Zobel was bought in. Many questioned if Zobel or Parvin was making the decisions, as Parvin had been bought back, taking the position of technical director. The 2004–05 was again filled with disappointment as the club finished 5th in the standings.

Ghamkhar was replaced with Hojatollah Khatib. He decided to bring back Parvin. At the same time Persepolis's major financial problems began to appear and Khatib was not able to repair or stall the damages Ghamkhar's free-spending had done. Persepolis finished the 2005–06 season 9th, the lowest it had ever placed. Parvin had left the club in February 2006, vowing to never return to Persepolis again. He had decide to leave after a loss to Fajr Sepasi in Azadi Stadium, by a score of 4-2. After the game, the fans began cursing at Ali Parvin and the players.

Khatib resigned as chairman and Mohammad Hassan Ansarifard was elected chairman by the club council. Arie Haan was brought in as the new manager,[18] helping the team make it to the 2005–06 Hazfi Cup final, but he was fired by the club just before the 2006–07 season began, as he had problems with the club management. Turkish manager Mustafa Denizli signed with the team on August 17, 2006.[19][20] With the final cup match being his first one as the club's manager, Denizli was not able to help the club win the Hazfi Cup in 2006, a cup that the team needed to gain entry into the Asian Champion's League and to receive its financial benefits.

Mustafa Denizli could not win the Hazfi Cup next year either, losing to Sepahan in semifinals in June 2007. He also finished third in the IPL 2006–07 with Persepolis, leaving the club after Mohammad Hassan Ansarifard resigned as the chairman in June 2007.

Ghotbi epoch

Habib Kashani became the club chairman in June 2007 and selected Afshin Ghotbi as head coach of Persepolis for the 2007–08 season.[21]

Ghotbi Promised to lead Persepolis to IPL championship[22] and started the IPL with a 3-2 win over Sanat Naft, and Persepolis was undefeated until the 17th round before a 2-1 loss to Sepahan.[23] On January 9, 2008; the disciplinary committee of the Iranian Football Federation announced because of a serious injury to a security soldier by the Sepahan fans, Sepahan will be charged with a 5 point deduction which was later reduced to 3 points. Persepolis was also docked 6 points by FIFA because of unpaid wages to a number of former players[24], throwing Persepolis behind Sepahan in the standings.[25] Near the end of the season Sheys Rezaei and Mohammad Reza Mamani were expelled by the team after both players showed poor behavior towards club players, coaches and management as well as other non-football related issues.[26] Habib Kashani and Mahmoud Khordbin also suffered heart attacks.[27] Persepolis was able to cut Sepahan's seven point lead to two points by the last game of the season.

In the last week, Persepolis defeated Sepahan when Sepehr Heidari scored a 90+6th minute goal in front of over 110'000 Fans in Azadi Stadium to give Persepolis its 2nd championship in the IPL and a berth in the Asian Champions League.[28][29] In the 2007–2008 Golden Ball award ceremony Persepolis, Afshin Ghotbi and Mohsen Khalili won the Team, Manager and Player of the year titles.[30][31]

After that Ghotbi's contract expired and he decided to leave the club.[32][33] his assistant, Hamid Estili was very close to management but Kashani and club officials suddenly resigned because of conflicts between them and "Iran Physical Education Department"[34][35] , then Dariush Mostafavi was selected as club chairman.[36] Mostafavi promised that he will bring Ghotbi back and negotiations between them were successful and on July 4, 2008 Ghotbi signed a 2 year contract with Persepolis.[37][38]

However, Ghotbi suddenly left the team in mid-season after an unsuccessful string of results and eventually became head coach of the Iranian National Team. [39]

Anthem

The table below shows the anthem that is sang in Persepolis home matches. In championship ceremony of 2007–2008 season, captain Karim Bagheri took a microphone and sang the anthem accompanied by the fans.[40]

Colours and crest

first version

Persepolis was named after the more famous historical landmark, Persepolis, the capital of Achaemenid Empire. Because of this the club logo incorporated elements from the location. The very first design of Persepolis' crest used the ancient Persian and Zoroastrian symbol, named the Faravahar. Faravahar shows a man with falcon wings and each wing has three feathers. Faravahar looks and rises its hand towards Ahura Mazda. This version of crest only used in early years, after that there were not a crest on the shirt until 1980s. In the middle of 1980s the design of the crest changed, this version showed two bull heads attached to one body as seen on a column at Apadana that points to a cup. Olympic rings are also seen under the cup. The bull is the symbol of productivity in ancient Persia beliefs and Persian Literature and the cup on the top of column represents championship. This version was a more detailed version of the current crest. In 1990's the crest changed again and became more stylized, the Olympic rings were dropped and the cup became more explicit. this version used until 2004, then changed into the current crest that is more simple. Olympic rings returned to the crest again and the bull in past versions turned into Homa which is another mythological creature and symbol used in Persepolis architecture.
Persepolis home kit in 1999

One of Persepolis nicknames is Sorkhpoushan (Persian: سرخپوشان, which means The Reds in English) stemming from their traditional kit, which is predominantly red. From the foundation of club, common home kit includes red shirt, red (in some seasons Black or White) shorts and red socks. White and Black colours are also seen in the kit as likely colours. In the early years of 1970s the shorts were black, which turned into white in the late 1970s and remained until the late 1980s when the kit became commonly seen with red shorts. In the 2006–2007 season, fans were shocked seeing red and white striped shirts worn by players. The away kit of club is commonly with a white background.

Stadium and facilities

May 17, 2008 Persepolis-Sepahan match,The last week of 7th IPL at the Azadi Stadium, Azadi Stadium holds over 110'000 Persepolis fans in this match

When Persepolis F.C. was created, the sport club already had a number of buildings consisting of gymnasiums, swimming pools and bowling alleys in Bowling Abdo Complex which is placed in the north of Tehran and named Shahid Chamran Bowling after revolution. But there were no stadium for football team. Ali Abdo bought some land in the Ekbatan area of Tehran and constructed a stadium there.[41] At the time it was known as Apadana stadium. Persepolis played only one game at the stadium[41] due to poor organization of seating and lack of co-operation with other Iranian clubs.[41] Afterwards, Persepolis only used the stadium as a training ground.[41]

Near the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Abdo had to sell much of its property to keep the club functioning due to its poor financial situation and the overall neglect of sport during the eighties in Iran. Ali Abdo Sold Apadana Stadium to Rah Ahan F.C. For 200'000 Tomans At 1974.[41] Apadana Stadium is now called Rah Ahan Stadium. after that, Bowling Abdo burnt down and Abdo returned to USA. Club properties were confiscated by "The Oppressed and Veterans Foundation" (Persian: بنیاد مستضعفان و جانبازان , Bonyad Mostazafan).

Before the construction of Azadi Stadium, Persepolis, played its matches at Amjadieh (Shahid Shiroudi) Stadium. They have played almost all of their home games at Azadi Stadium, except for the 2002–03 season, when they played all but two of their home matches at Tehran's Takhti Stadium due to the renovations taking place at Azadi.[42]

In mid 2006 there was some talk that Persepolis had bought Shahre Ghods Stadium,[43] but the deal fell through due to Persepolis' poor financial situation and the long distance between the city center and the stadium.[44] This means the only property the club currently has, is its club headquarters, built on land given to the club by the IRIFF.

The youth clubs of Persepolis train and play their matches at Derafshifar Stadium.[45] In July 2008 the club used Karegaran Stadium for first team training.[46]

Supporters and rivalries

Persepolis is one of the highest supported teams in Iranian football. It is said in unofficial censuses that the club has over 30 million fans.[47][48] despite the club is based in Tehran, it is popular in all parts of country. In addition to Iran, Persepolis has a fan base in Afghanistan[49] and Persian Gulf countries.[50]

Famous fans

  • Golab Adineh,[58] actress
  • Mohammad Reza Khatami, Politician
  • Saeed Rad,[59][60] actor
  • Naser Malek Motiei,[61] actor
  • Niki Karimi,[62] actress
  • Behnoush Bakhtiari,[63] actress
  • Pejman Bazeghi,[64] actor
  • Kambiz Dirbaz,[64] actor
  • Morteza Ahmadi,[65] actor
  • Amin Hayai,[66] actor
  • Houshang Ebtehaj,[55] poet
  • Mahmoud Shahriyari, TV Host
  • Ehsan Hadadi,[67] discus thrower
  • Mohammad Nasiri,[68] weightlifter
  • Davoud Rashidi,[55] actor
  • Maryam Heydarzadeh,[69] poet
  • Saeed Mohammadi, singer
  • Elnaz Shakerdoust,[70] actress
  • Farzad Farzin,[71] singer
  • Niousha Zeyghami,[72] actress

Rivalries

Persepolis is one side of Iran's most important football match which is called The Sorkhabi derby. the match between Persepolis and Esteghlal was derives from the previous significant derby between Shahin and Taj. After the departure of Shahin players to Persepolis, the club became too popular and its arch-rival, Taj (means Crown in Persian) was the royal team supported by Mohammad Reza Shah. As the two biggest and most successful clubs in Iran, nowadays the rivalry continues on an annual basis with both teams often challenging each other for championship. In each transfer season, both clubs try to attract rival team players.

Another Persepolis rival is Sepahan, the club based in Esfahan. Both clubs were dependent upon Shahin; one hired most of Shahin players in its early years and the other was the branch of Shahin F.C. in Esfahan. The rivalry renewed in early 2000s, when Esfahan rose in Iran football, Sepahan and Zob Ahan became strong, replacing Tehran popular teams in 2002–2003 season. Both of Iran's important football competitions, IPL and Hazfi Cup were won by Esfahan teams that season. Persepolis also had a derby with the now dissolved club, Pas Tehran.

Players

First-team squad

See also: Persepolis F.C. season 2010–11

As of 20 July 2010

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
1 Iran GK Alireza Haghighi
2 Iran DF Alireza Mohammad
3 Iran DF Sepehr Heidari
4 Iran DF Mojtaba Shiri
6 Iran MF Karim Bagheri Persepolis-captain.png
7 Iran MF Mohammad Parvin
8 Germany FW Shpejtim Arifi
9 Iran MF Maziar Zare
10 Iran FW Gholamreza Rezaei
11 Iran MF Hossein Badamaki
13 Iran DF Sheys Rezaei
14 Iran MF Mohammad Nouri
15 Iran MF Saman Aghazamani
16 Iran MF Mohammad Mansouri
No. Position Player
17 Iran DF Jalal Akbari
18 Iran DF Ebrahim Shakouri
20 Iran DF Alireza Noormohammadi
22 Iran MF Mohammad Mehdi Elhaei
23 Iran MF Amir Hossein Feshangchi
24 Iran FW Hadi Norouzi
25 Iran MF Mehdi Shiri
26 Iran MF Hamidreza Ali Asgari
27 Brazil MF Tiago Alves Fraga
30 Iran FW Mojtaba Zarei
36 Iran GK Rahman Ahmadi
40 Iran MF Saeid Hallafi
-- Iran GK Masoud Dastani
-- Iran GK Benyamin Mahmoudi

For recent transfers, see List of Iranian football transfers, summer 2010.

Notable players

For notable players see List of Persepolis F.C. players .
For details on former players see Category:Persepolis F.C. players.
For details on all foreigner players see List of foreign Persepolis F.C. players.

Club captains

# Name Nat Career in
Persepolis		 Captaincy Shirt
Num
1
 Hamid Jasemian Iran 1967-70 1967-70
5
2
 Buyuk Vatankhah Iran 1967-74 1971-72
6
3
 Homayoun Behzadi Iran 1967-74 1972-74
10
4
 Jafar Kashani Iran 1967-74
1974
4
5
 Ebrahim Ashtiani Iran 1967-76 1974-75
2
6
 Ali Parvin Iran
Iran		 1970-88 1975-88
7
7
 Mohammad Panjali Iran 1976-94 1988-92
5
8
 Farshad Pious Iran 1985-88
1989-98		 1992-96
17
9
 Mojtaba Moharrami Iran 1988-97
1996
8
10
 Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh Iran 1994-00 1996-00
1
11
 Afshin Peyrovani Iran 1993-04 2000-03
5
12
 Ali Daei Iran 1994-96
2003-04		 2003-04
10
13
 Karim Bagheri Iran 1996-97
2002-		 2004-
6

Managers

Notable managers

The table below shows Persepolis managers that have won noteworthy titles or had a great impact on the team. for more detailed and chronological list of Persepolis managers from 1964 onwards with their trophies, see List of Persepolis F.C. managers.

Name Nat Period Trophies
Parviz Dehdari † Iran 1967-69 Hazfi Cup:1969 Runner-up
Alan Rogers England 1971-76 Iran local league: 1971 Winner
Takht Jamshid Cup: 1973-74 Winner - 1974-75 Runner-up
Buyuk Vatankhah Iran 1976 Takht Jamshid Cup: 1975-76 Winner
Ali Parvin Iran 1980-93
1998-03
2005-06		 Iran Pro League: 2001–02 Winner
Azadegan League: 1998–99, 1999–00 Winners - 1992–93, 2000–01 Runners-up
17th of Shahrivar league: 1989 Winner
Qods League: 1990 Winner
Tehran provincial league: 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988 Winners - 1981, 1983 Runner-up
Tehran Hazfi Cup: 1982, 1987 Winners - 1981 Runner-up
Hazfi Cup: 1987, 1991, 1998-99 Winners
Asian Cup Winners Cup: 1991 Winner - 1993 Runner-up
Stanko Poklepović Croatia 1994-97

Azadegan League: 1995–96, 1996–97 Winners
Mustafa Denizli Turkey 2006-07

Hazfi Cup: 2005-06 Runner-up
Afshin Ghotbi Iran
United States		 2007-08

Iran Pro League: 2007–08 Winner

IPL Managers

Only IPL matches are counted.

Last Update 28 August 2010

Name Nat From To Record
P W D L Win% Final Position
Ali Parvin Iran 2001 June 2003 52 24 21 7 46% (01–02) 1st,
(02–03) 3rd
Vinko Begović Croatia August 2003 2004 26 10 9 7 38% 5th
Rainer Zobel Germany September 2004 June 2005 30 16 7 7 53% 4th
Ali Parvin Iran June 2005 February 2006 21 7 7 7 33% (till week 21) 9th
Arie Haan Netherlands February 2006 May 2006 9 2 4 3 22% 9th
Mustafa Denizli Turkey September 2006 June 2007 30 14 11 5 47% 3rd
Afshin Ghotbi Iran
United States		 August 2007 November 2008 48 24 15 9 50% (07–08) 1st,
(08–09) (till week 14) 4th
Afshin Peyrovani Iran November 2008 February 2009 11 6 3 2 55% (08–09) (till week 25) 3rd
Nelo Vingada Portugal February 2009 May 2009 9 3 3 3 33% 5th
Zlatko Kranjčar Croatia July 2009 December 2009 21 8 9 4 38% (09–10) (till week 21) 3rd
Ali Daei Iran December 2009 Present 20 10 6 4 50% (09–10) 4th,
(10–11) -

Current Management Team

Position Name Nat
Head Coach Ali Daei Iran
First Team Coach Hossein Abdi Iran
Assistant Coach Mehdi Tartar Iran
Analyser Masoud Aalipour Iran
Fitness Coach Ali Molaei Iran
Goalkeeping Coach Mohammad Ali Yahyavi Iran
Director Mahmoud Khordbin Iran
Club Doctor Dr. Farid Zarineh Iran

Achievements

National titles

Winners (9): 1971–72 1973-74, 1975-76, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2001-02, 2007-08
Runners-Up (7): 1974-75, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1989-90, 1992-93, 1993-94, 2000-01
The Persepolis's positions
Winner: 1979
Winner: 1989
Winners (4): 1987-88, 1990-91, 1998-99, 2009-10
Runners-Up (2): 1969-70, 2005-06
Winners (4): 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988
Runners-Up (2): 1981, 1983
Winner : 1992
Winners (3): 1979, 1982, 1987
Runners-Up : 1981

Asian titles

Winner: 1991*
Runner-Up: 1993
(* First ever winners)

Unofficial titles

Winner: 1981
Winner: 1995
Runner-Up: 2009

Honours

2007-08
February 1998

Statistics and records

Ali Parvin holds the record for Persepolis appearances with 341, having played between 1970 and 1988, while Afshin Peyrovani holds the league appearances records with 209, playing from 1993 to 2004. The record for a goalkeeper is held by Vahid Ghelich, with 176 appearances. The record for total Persepolis appearances among current players is held by captain Karim Bagheri with 172 appearances and 23 goals. With 149 caps, Ali Daei of Iran is Persepolis' most capped international player. Farshad Pious is the club's all time top goalscorer in all competitions with 158, playing between 1985 and 1998. Persepolis also set Iran highest division League records for most winnings (8) and for runners-Up (7).

Ownership

In May 2009 however, in the run up to the 2009 presidential election President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that the club will be privatized.[78] Despite the President's declaration, it is expected that the transfer of the club to private investors will be a long process, largely due to problems with the club's financial documents and the debts that the club has accumulated, making it unable to be floated on the Tehran Stock Exchange. It is said that it is possible for the club to be transferred in an OTC trade once it has removed all of its financial ambiguities.[79]

The purchase of the club has been linked with UAE-based Iranian businessman Sirous Mahjoob who has also been rumoured to be interested in buying Newcastle United.[80] Mahjoob was said to be willing to buy the club immediately for $50 million dollars and claimed to have previously invested into the club under the reign of chairman Akbar Ghamkhar.[81]

Sponsorship

IPL Shirt sponsors and manufacturers

Period Kit Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor
2001–02 Nahangi
Jouraban		 Pepsi , NEC , Tidi
2002–03 Jouraban
Daei SWE		 Samsung
2003–04 ParsTV
2004–05 Nahangi Jaguar Delster (Non Alcoholic Malt Beverage)
2005–06 BOMBA , Dariush Grand Hotel ,
Shahr Aftab , Giordano
2006–07 Hessari Mahan Air , ECUT , MTN Irancell
2007–08 Uhlsport City Credit Cooperative(CCC) ,
Shahrvand Chain Stores
2008–09 Marrybrown
2009–10 Behgol
Tehran Municipality
2010–11 City Bank

References

  1. ↑ "(English)Victory name of Persepolis' game". Fifa. http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=1894534/index.html. 
  2. ↑ "(English)Azadi Sport Complex". Azadi Sport Complex Official website. http://www.azadisportcomplex.com/place.asp. 
  3. ↑ "(Persian)". Perspolisnews.com. http://www.perspolisnews.com/article-4476--0-0.html. 
  4. ↑ "(Persian)". Footballroad.com. http://www.footballroad.com/news/news.aspx?ID=12282. 
  5. ↑ "(Persian) آسمان پرسپولیس ستاره باران شد". Official club website. http://perspolis-club.net/News.aspx?id=3888. Retrieved 2008-08-02. 
  6. ↑ "(English) Soccer in Iran". Footballiniran.blogspot.com. http://footballiniran.blogspot.com/2007/12/history-of-soccer-in-iran.html. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "(Persian) تاریخچه باشگاه از شاهين". ghermezeteh.com. http://ghermezeteh.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=29. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "(Persian)40 سال بعد از انحلال تاريخي شاهين". etemad.com. http://www.etemaad.com/Released/86-04-14/225.htm. Retrieved 2007-07-05. 
  9. ↑ "(English) Factory's history". Iran Khodro Official website. http://www.ikco.com/about/history.aspx. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "(Persian)پرسپوليس، پيکان". perspolis-ppp.blogspot.com. http://perspolis-ppp.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-post_17.html. 
  11. ↑ "(Persian)1352 ، لیگ تخت جمشید". parssport.ir. http://parssport.ir/football/iran/iran%20pro%20league/1352.htm. 
  12. ↑ "(Persian) تاریخچه پرسپولیس". fcpersepolis.parsiblog.com. http://ghasem.persiangig.com/PDF/Persepolis_History.pdf. 
  13. ↑ "(Persian) تاریخچه لیگ ایران". fcpersepolis.parsiblog.com. http://ghasem.persiangig.com/PDF/History_Of_Iran_League.pdf. 
  14. ↑ "(Persian) مسابقات قهرمانی لیگ باشگاههای فوتبال ایران". parssport.ir. http://parssport.ir/football/iran/iran%20pro%20league/iran_pro_league.htm. 
  15. ↑ "(Persian) باشگاه فرهنگي ورزشي پرسپوليس". perspolis-ppp.blogspot.com. http://perspolis-ppp.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-post_22.html. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "(Persian) سه سال بحرانی در پرسپولیس:سرگذشت تبعید از بولینگ به داوودیه". Etemaad. http://www.etemaad.com/Released/86-07-05/225.htm. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 "(Persian) پرسپولیس چگونه پیروزی شد؟". Iran Varzeshi. http://www.iran-varzeshi.com/1386/860517/html/footbal5.htm. 
  18. ↑ "(Persian) آری هان وارد تهران شد". Persepolis Official Website. http://perspolis-club.net/News.aspx?id=202. Retrieved 2006-01-31. 
  19. ↑ "(Persian) دنیزلی سرمربی پرسپولیس شد". Iran Varzeshi. http://www.iran-varzeshi.com/1385/850528/html/footbal1.htm#s203178. Retrieved 2006-08-18. 
  20. ↑ "(English) Turkish trainer Denizli moves to Persepolis". Mehr News Agency. http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=368499. Retrieved 2006-08-18. 
  21. ↑ "(Persian) با امضاى پيش قرارداد و ارسال به تهران،قطبی کمتر از 600 هزار دلار می گیرد". Iran Varzeshi. http://www.iran-varzeshi.com/1386/860513/html/footbal5.htm#s287067. Retrieved 2007-08-04. 
  22. ↑ "(Persian) پایان شاهنامه بر ای کی خوشه؟ آبا قطبی به قولش عمل خواهد كرد؟". Iransoccer.ir. http://www.iransoccer.ir/article-print-6584.html. Retrieved 2008-06-16. 
  23. ↑ "(Persian) 16 هفته متوالی بدون شکست". Persepolis Official Website. http://perspolis-club.net/news.aspx?id=3891. Retrieved 2008-08-03. 
  24. ↑ "(Finnish) KuPS voitti pitkän kiistan siirtokorvauksesta". mtv3.fi. http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/futis/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/futis/2008/03/618558. Retrieved 2008-03-02. 
  25. ↑ "(English) CAS to hear Iran appeal against FIFA". AOL. http://www.aol.in/sports/story/2008051314260030400831/2050/index.html. Retrieved 2008-05-13. 
  26. ↑ "(Persian)شيث رضايي از پرسپوليس اخراج شد". Footballroad.com. http://www.footballroad.com/news/news.aspx?ID=11996. 
  27. ↑ "(Persian)حبیب کاشانی در بخش سی سی یو بیمارستان بستری شد". Footballroad.com. http://www.footballroad.com/news/news.aspx?ID=12034. 
  28. ↑ "(English) Persepolis crowned Iran champions". AFC Official Website. http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_166592580.html. Retrieved 2008-05-18. 
  29. ↑ "(English) Persepolis Champions Of Iran With Injury-Time Winner". Goal.com. http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=699841. Retrieved 2008-05-17. 
  30. ↑ "(Persian) خليلي در مراسم توپ طلا تشويق شد". http://www.footballiran.ir/Negaresh_site/FullStory/?Id=13884. 
  31. ↑ "(Persian) از سوي خبرگزاري فوتبال بهترين‌هاي ايران معرفي شدند". http://www.footballiran.ir/Negaresh_Site/Fullstory/?Id=13882. 
  32. ↑ "(English)Ghotbi quits as Persepolis coach". AFC.com AFC official website. http://www.the-afc.com/eng/articles/viewArticle.jsp_166920206.html. Retrieved 2008-05-31. 
  33. ↑ "(English) Ghotbi quits after triumph". FIFA.com FIFA official website. http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=783900.html#coach+quits+after+triumph. Retrieved 2008-05-30. 
  34. ↑ "(Persian) حبيب كاشانى استعفا كرد". Hamshahri. http://www.hamshahrionline.ir/News/?id=58788. Retrieved 2008-06-18. 
  35. ↑ "(Persian) كاشاني: علي‌آبادي وادارم كرد بروم". Iran Varzeshi. http://www.iran-varzeshi.com/1387/870328/html/footbal4.htm#s349506. 
  36. ↑ "(Persian) داريوش مصطفوي مديرعامل باشگاه پرسپوليس شد". Fars News Agency. http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8704021199. Retrieved 2008-06-23. 
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  40. ↑ "(Persian) کریم باقری میکروفون را رها نمی کرد؛ جام تقدیم پرسپولیسی ها شد". tiknews. http://tiknews.org/display/?ID=60831&Send. Retrieved 2008-05-18. 
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 Khabare Varzeshi Magazine/Norouz 1387/Page 25
  42. ↑ "(Persian) استاديوم فوتبال - زمين چمن". Azadi sport complex Website. http://www.azadisportcomplex.com/amaken.asp?id=7378. 
  43. ↑ "(Persian) ظرفیت ورزشگاه اختصاصی پرسپولیس به 50 هزارنفر افزایش می یابد". Persepolis Official Website. http://perspolis-club.net/News.aspx?id=253. Retrieved 2006-02-23. 
  44. ↑ "(Persian) واگذاری ورزشگاه شهرقدس به پرسپولیس کذب محض است / مسئولان پرسپولیس عجولانه اظهارنظر کردند". MNA. http://www.mehrnews.com/fa/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=299165. Retrieved 2006-12-09. 
  45. ↑ "(Persian) ورزشگاه "شهید درفشی فر" باز سازی خواهد شد". Persepolis official website. http://www.perspolis-club.ir/News.aspx?newsId=283. Retrieved 2007-05-01. 
  46. ↑ "(Persian) حضور تیم پرسپولیس در ورزشگاه کارگران". Persepolis official website. http://perspolis-club.net/news.aspx?id=3717. Retrieved 2008-07-02. 
  47. ↑ "(Persian) برگشتم تا پرسپولیس را قهرمان آسیا کنم". www.iranseda.com. http://www.iranseda.com/showFullItem/?r=59729. 
  48. ↑ "(Persian) افشین قطبی سرانجام از پرسپولیس رفت". fararu.com. http://www.fararu.com/vdchw6nz.23nzwdftt2.html. 
  49. ↑ https://balatarin.com/permlink/2008/5/20/1309218
  50. ↑ "(Persian) عماد رضا سر دو راهى پرسپوليس - سپاهان(پرسپوليس حتى در عراق هم محبوب است )". iransoccer.ir. http://www.iransoccer.ir/article7574.html. Retrieved 2008-07-02. 
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  52. ↑ "(Persian)آری...سهراب سپهری هم طرفدار پرو پاقرص فوتبال بود". Aftab. http://www.aftab.ae/articles/sport/football/c6c1192094339_sohrab_sepehri_p1.php. Retrieved 2007-11-26. 
  53. ↑ "(Persian)محمدرضا شریفی نیا". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=343683&postcount=12. 
  54. ↑ "(Persian) مسعود کیمیایی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=358704&postcount=34. 
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 "(Persian)مجموعه مقالات: دلم آن جا بود". Masoud Behnoud Official Website. http://masoudbehnoud.com/2008/05/blog-post_17.html. 
  56. ↑ "(Persian) حسین ثابت مولتی میلیاردر ایرانی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=342147&postcount=5. 
  57. ↑ "(Persian) تهمینه میلانی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=363341&postcount=40. 
  58. ↑ "(Persian)شادی گلاب آدینه به بهانه شكست استقلال". Khanevadeye Sabz Magazine. http://ksabz.net/paper.asp?AID=15925. Retrieved 2007-05-21. 
  59. ↑ "(Persian) سعید راد در سایت پرسپولیس: به قهرمانی پرسپولیس ایمان دارم". Persepolis Official Website. http://perspolis-club.net/news.aspx?id=3846. Retrieved 2008-07-28. 
  60. ↑ "(Persian)سعید راد: علی پروین‌ عاشق فیلم‌های ‌من بود". footballiniran.blogspot.ir. http://footballiniran.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-post_1062.html. 
  61. ↑ "(Persian)ناصر ملک مطیعی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=344764&postcount=14. 
  62. ↑ "(Persian) نیکی کریمی عروس سینمای ایران". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=347338&postcount=22. 
  63. ↑ "(Persian) بهنوش بختیاری". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=350085&postcount=24. 
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 "(Persian) کامبیز دیرباز". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=345958&postcount=16. 
  65. ↑ "(Persian) استاد مرتضی احمدی پیش پرده خوان بزرگ". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=341280&postcount=2. 
  66. ↑ "(Persian)امین حیایی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=389366&postcount=71. 
  67. ↑ "(Persian) احسان حدادی نابغه پرتاب دیسک". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=351705&postcount=27. 
  68. ↑ "(Persian) محمد نصیری اشک قهرمان". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=363338&postcount=39. 
  69. ↑ "(Persian)مریم حیدرزاده دختر سرخ". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=342847&postcount=10. 
  70. ↑ "(Persian)الناز شاکردوست". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=423562&postcount=82. 
  71. ↑ "(Persian)فرزاد فرزین". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=394396&postcount=72. 
  72. ↑ "(Persian)نیوشا ضیغمی". Parsfootball. http://parsfootball.com/anjoman/showpost.php?p=452869&postcount=91. 
  73. ↑ "(Persian) افتخارات باشگاه فرهنگی ورزشی پرسپولیس". Persepolis Official Website. http://perspolis-club.net/static.aspx?type=honor&lan=fa. 
  74. ↑ "(English) Persepolis F.C. Honours". Mirsalsports. http://www.mirsalsports.com/agency/perspolis1.htm. 
  75. ↑ "(Persian) افتخارات باشگاه پرسپولیس". Ghermezeteh.com. http://ghermezeteh.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=30. Retrieved 2006-09-08. 
  76. ↑ "(Persian) حاج عباس برای بار سوم روی صندلی مدیرعاملی". Jahanevarzesh.ir. http://jahanevarzesh.ir/iran.news.php?news_id=3448. Retrieved 2009-01-06. 
  77. ↑ "(English) Victory name of Persepolis' game". Fifa.com. http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=1040601.html#victory+name+persepolis+game. Retrieved 2009-03-24. 
  78. ↑ http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=95020&sectionid=3510211
  79. ↑ http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=95704
  80. ↑ http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11678_5461019,00%20en-USS_01DBC.html
  81. ↑ http://perspolisnews.net/content/view/8913/2/
  82. ↑ "اسپانسر پرسپولیس دست به جیب می شود (Persian)". Perspolisnews.com. http://www.perspolisnews.com/clubnews/14157-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%BE%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AC%DB%8C%D8%A8-%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF.html. 
  83. ↑ "ساپکو و موسسه وابسته به شهرداری اسپانسر پرسپولیس در لیگ دهم (Persian)". Perspolisnews.com. http://www.perspolisnews.com/clubnews/13846-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%BE%DA%A9%D9%88-%D9%88-%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B3%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%BE%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B3-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%AF-%D8%AF%D9%87%D9%85.html. 
  84. ↑ "جلسه کاشانی با مدیرعامل هواپیمایی آسمان(Persian)". fc-perspolis.com. http://fc-perspolis.com/2012/جلسه_کاشانی_با_مدیرعامل_هواپیمایی_آسمان_. 

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Esteghlal • Foolad • Malavan • Mes • Naft Tehran • Pas Hamedan • Paykan • Persepolis • Rah Ahan • Saba Qom • Saipa • Sanat Naft • Sepahan • Shahin • Shahrdari Tabriz • Steel Azin • Tractor Sazi • Zob Ahan
 
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2009 AFC Champions League
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Pohang Steelers
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Al-Ittihad
Eliminated in Semi-finals
Nagoya Grampus • Umm-Salal
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Bunyodkor • Pakhtakor Tashkent  • FC Seoul • Kawasaki Frontale
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Al-Ettifaq • Al-Hilal • Al-Shabab • Gamba Osaka • Kashima Antlers • Newcastle United Jets • Persepolis • Suwon Bluewings
Eliminated in group stage

Al-Ahli  • Al-Gharafa • Al-Jazira • Al-Shabab • Beijing Guoan • Central Coast Mariners • Esteghlal • Saba Qom • Sepahan • Shandong Luneng • Shanghai Shenhua • Sharjah † • Singapore Armed Forces • Sriwijaya • Tianjin Teda • Ulsan Hyundai


† Withdrew from the competition after 4 matches.
Schedule • Qualifying play-off • Group stage • Knockout stage • Final
Iranian football league champions
9 titles : Persepolis (1971–72, 73-74, 75-76, 95-96, 96-97, 98-99, 99-00, 01-02, 07-08)
7 titles : Esteghlal Tehran (1970–71, 74-75, 89-90, 97-98, 00-01, 05-06, 08-09)
5 titles : PAS Tehran (76-77, 77-78, 91-92, 92-93, 03-04)
3 titles : Saipa (93-94, 94-95, 06-07)
2 titles : Sepahan (02-03, 09-10)
1 title : Foolad (04-05)