Tehran Times - Iranian blind footballer Behzad Zadaliasghari is ready to stand down from representing his country due to lack of respect of the sport officials.
Iran football 5-a-side came second at the 2017 IBSA Blind Football Asian Championships in December after being defeated by China in the final match.
Iran took their place at the 2018 IBSA Blind Football World Championships, which will be held in Madrid, Spain.
Zadaliasghari believes they’ve done a great job but have received “no appreciation” after returning to Iran.
“We qualified for the world championship but they didn’t come to the airport to welcome us,” Zadaliasghari told Iran Students News Agency (ISNA).
“We need motivation to keep going but the authorities disrespect us with these kinds of behavior,” he added.
Zadaliasghari, who currently plays for Kayserispor, says he has received an offer from Schalke 04.
“I wanted to join the German club but Kayserispor’s officials didn’t let me to leave their team. I have contract with the Turkish club until the end of the season,” Zadaliasghari said.
Zadaliasghari helped Iran win a first ever silver medal in the Paralympic Games.
Team Melli lost to four-time champion Brazil 1-0 in the final match.