Moradi, who has been an official in the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, said, “Hopefully I will have a good day in the derby on Friday. Of course, I have officiated bigger matches than the Esteghlal versus Persepolis game. I will do my best in the derby,” said the 45-year-old referee.
The Tehran derby was acknowledged by the World Soccer magazine in June 2008 as the most important derby in Asia and the 22nd hottest match in the world.
Persepolis and Esteghlal have played against each other 68 times. 31 matches ended in a draw, Esteghlal won 20 times, and Persepolis was victorious in 17 matches.
The 69th derby will be held at the Azadi Stadium on Friday.
