Faghani appointed Tehran derby referee

TEHRAN TIMES – TEHRAN, Alireza Faghani has been appointed the referee for Thursday’s derby meeting between Persepolis and Esteghlal.
 
Iran’s football federation referee committee announced Alireza Faghani will officiate the match, which will be played in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
 
He will be assisted by Hassan Kamranifar and Reza Sokhandan in the derby, while Saeid Bakhshizadeh will be the fourth official.
 
The Tehran derby was chosen as the most important in Asia and the 22nd important derby in the world on June 2008 by the World Soccer Magazine
 
Esteghlal is now on top of the Iran Professional League table with 46 points after seven weeks, and Persepolis is 8th with 30 points.
 
Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 73 times, of which Esteghlal has won 25 games, Persepolis won 17 victories, and 31 matches ending in a draw.