Club before country for the moment for Vahid

The VFL Bochum forward currently has two league goals to his name and Iran Football Federation official Gholam Hussain Zaman Abadi has confirmed on Planet Football that Hashemian will not be called up unless absolutely necessary.

"In the past, Hashemian's club football in Germany has been hurt because every time he has been called up, he gets injured," said Zaman Abadi.

"Playing for the national team requires giving up personal benefits and (former Bayern Munich striker) Ali Daei is a great example of a footballer who has sacrificed a lot for the national team.

"Unfortunately, sometimes personal interest makes it difficult for some players to serve the national team..

"Taking this into consideration, the national team coaches have decided it is best for Hashemian that he be excused from playing for Iran."

Iran are currently preparing for their upcoming Asian Cup Group D qualifying game against Jordan in Amman.