Khalatbari stays in Qatar

PFDC – DOHA, Despite numerous offers from Iran’s topclubs, Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari opts to stay in Qatar and is about to sign with Doha based Al Kharitiyath.

Khalatbari had joined Qatar’s Al Gharafa club in summer, but both the club and the versatile attacker had a disappointing season so far, resulting in the club signing Iranian veteran striker Farhad Majidi from Esteghlal in order to replace the 28-year-old.

Al Kharitiyath, founded and led by Arabic broadcaster Al Jazeera owner Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, are in second last position of the Qatar Stars League, having collected just six points out of nine games.

Khalatbari had played a vital role in Zob Ahan’s success, helping them to the 2010 Asian Champions League final and to the 2011 quarterfinal stage of the competition, as well as steering the Esfahan based club to a 2010 Hazfi Cup title and two IPL vice-championships (2009, 2010).

The offensive allrounder also established himself in the Iranian national team, having 44 national team caps to his name since 2008, having scored two goals, both of them in 2011.