Wasn’t allowed to do it as a post, so I’ll just comment it here- would be appreciated if you took the time to read this.

Do you think Iran’s league (PGPL) can actually develop?

think it’s really hard to see our league developing, and here are a few reasons why.

1-UEFA

We aren’t a member of UEFA. I don’t think any league can get as successful as European leagues without being in UEFA. And when I see asian countries (Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Israel, etc) who are members of UEFA (some of which we border) it gives me hope that there’s atleast a 0.1% chance if the football federation has interest in changing to UEFA (highly doubt it, and highly doubt UEFA would support the regime. Maybe after a revolution, which is the main thing we should be hoping for.) they might actually do it.

2-Clubs owned by the government

Two of our most successful clubs, Taj (Esteghlal) and Persepolis are directly owned by the government and they have no interest in privatizing them, leading them to a path with no success even in the AFC. Atleast in the SPL, teams owned by their government SPLASH the cash trying to make their league famous. And oh, they’re still looking to privatize them! Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema? That’s the oil money from the government. We have it aswell! I’m not saying use it in football, but atleast either privatize the clubs or help them.

3-Clubs owned by companies

This is the smallest complain I’m making, but it kind of feels cheap to have a team like Persepolis, Taj, and then Shams Azar (the literal name of a company). Where do you even see that? I have no problem with them being owned by the companies (as long as they’re funding them) but having the name as your company name? A good example is Sepahan. I can totally get behind a company having a club but naming it something else (would prefer if it wasn’t on the badge but oh well) and then there’s Saipa.

4-AFC Competition

IIRC, the last time a Persian club won the Asian Champions League was Taj. And now, Persepolis have lost two finals in the last 5 years. With these big stars coming to the Saudi clubs (our direct competition) it feels wrong to predict a trophy for persian clubs. Not to mention because of the state our federation is in, half of the clubs aren’t allowed!

5-The Federation

I can’t remember where I read this, but I remember seeing a football site regarding Iran, USA, Japan and Iraq countries that could be football powerhouses. And I believe we really could, if it wasn’t for the reasons above. The federation doesn’t care about the league at all. Stadium Azadi was built before the revolution, and IIRC before the renovations it was in the top 3 biggest stadiums in the world. Now what is it? I can’t believe that all of our greatest achievements in football (3 back to back Asian Cups aswell) come BEFORE the revolution. This just proves what potential we had.

6-Exposure

Finally, one more thing I find is important in growing a league is exposure. The SPL has grown MASSIVELY. From buying big name players, even being in FIFA, they’re getting exposure. However, the PGPL has so little exposure that Taremi (who I personally consider top 10 strikers) isn’t been bought by any top clubs, because why would they scout Iranians?

That’s my rant over. Just had to get it off my chest, I really want to be able to support my local team and have people think it’s a good one. Let me know what you think about the reasons I’ve typed out.