Iran Pro League to kick off on September 9

AFC - The new Iran Pro League season will kick off on September 9 with 16 teams in the hunt for glory.

The fixtures list will be released in August and clubs have until September 1 to firm up their teams as the transfer window closes eight days before the league starts.

Esteghlal are the defending champions while Pas and Saipa finished second and third respectively last season.

Mess-e-Kerman and Peykan are the two newly promoted teams in the topflight taking up the berths of Shamooshak and Ghandi, both of whom have been relegated.

Meanwhile, the 2006 Hazfi Cup final?s first leg match will be held between Persepolis and Sepahan on September 13. The date of the second leg has not yet been decided.

The Hazfi Cup winners will be Iran?s second team in the AFC Champions League after Esteghlal.