Soccerway - Iran Football Federation president Ali Kafashian says UAE clubs have been ordered not to sign Iranian footballers for political reasons.

Reports had been widespread regarding the situation and Kafashian confirmed the news in an interview with Iranian news agency ISNA.

The decision is politically based, with tension mounting between Iran and the Emirates over territorial claims involving islands in the Persian Gulf between the two nations.

The situation has led to Iran international Mohammad Reza Khalatbari not seeing his loan with Al Wasl renewed, while Iman Mobali and Pejman Nouri both recently left Al Sharjah and Emirates respectively.

Previously the likes of Karim Bagheri, Ali Daei, Javad Nekounam and Ali Karimi have plied their trade in the UAE top flight.

In April, a friendly match between the two nations was cancelled for similar reasons.