"Considering the fact that Esteqlal and Persepolis are the most popular clubs and have millions of fans in the country, it is recommended that their stakes be offered to the public," President Ahmadinejad said in a letter to Mohammad Aliabadi, the head of Iran's Physical Education Organization (PEO).
It is expected that both Esteqlal and Persepolis will continue to have the massive financial support of the PEO even if the two popular clubs' shares are sold to private investors.
Aliabadi ordered the formation of a special commission to consider the issue and take the necessary measures as soon as possible, said PEO deputy head Bahman Nikkhoo.
The decision is expected to improve the condition in the teams by giving them more financial independence.
The incumbent President Ahmadinejad registered his candidacy to run for another four-year term.