Tehrantimes - Iranian international striker Sardar Azmoun stated that he will play for Iran Olympic team in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship if his club FC Rostov gives him the permission.

“I would love to play for my country’s team in any level. To take part at the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship, which will take place in Doha, I will need my club’s permission because the competition will not be held in FIFA days. On the other hand I have just undergone an operation and I need time to reach top form,” Azmoun told ISNA.

The AFC U-23 Championship acts as the AFC qualifier for the Olympic football tournament. The top three teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics men's football tournament in Brazil as the AFC representatives.

A total of 16 teams will play in the tournament which will be held in Qatar between 12–30 January 2016.

Iran has been grouped with host Qatar, China and Syria.