Mohsen Torki to referee Tehran derby for the sixth time

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Mohsen Torki has been appointed to referee Friday’s Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

The Referees Committee of Iran’s Football Federation announced on Wednesday that Torki will officiate the match. He will be assisted by Reza Sokhandan and Mohammad Reza Abolfazli in the derby.

This is the 6th time Torki has been appointed as Tehran derby referee. In the previous five games Esteghlal has won twice while three matches finished with a draw.

Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 80 times, with Esteghlal winning 24 games, Persepolis taking 20 victories, and 36 matches ending in a draw.

Esteghlal is currently at the top of the league table with 21 points while Persepolis stands in 7th place with 14 points.

The Tehran derby was chosen as the most important in Asia and the 22nd important derby in the world on June 2008 by World Soccer Magazine.