Esteghlal Club had requested the Asian Football Confederation and the Qatar Football Association to facilitate direct travel for the members of this team to Doha due to the closure of direct flights from Iran to Qatar. However, the negative response from Al-Gharafa Club to this request has impacted Esteghlal's travel plans.
Initial Follow-ups
Initially, the Qatar Football Association and Al-Gharafa Club sent positive signals for cooperation. Even the flight number and the names of the Esteghlal caravan members were received from the Qatari side. However, over time, no specific follow-ups were made in this regard, leaving Esteghlal in a state of uncertainty.
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Qatari Response and Esteghlal's New Plan
On Monday, Esteghlal Club once again requested Al-Gharafa to clarify the flight route status. This time, they received a negative response from Al-Gharafa. Al-Gharafa announced that due to existing restrictions on Iranian flights, there is no possibility for cooperation for Esteghlal's direct travel to Doha. This response meant a change in Esteghlal's travel plans, and now the club officials are considering traveling to Najaf, Iraq, on Saturday so that the team can head to Qatar from there.
If this route is chosen, Esteghlal members will first fly to Najaf for about 90 minutes and after a possible few hours stop at the airport in that city, they will take another flight to Qatar. This change in route will also affect the team's plans and the players' readiness for the match.
Esteghlal's Critical Match
It is worth mentioning that Esteghlal will face Al-Gharafa on Monday, October 20, at 21:45 in the second week of the Asian Elite League. This match is of special importance for Esteghlal, and changes in travel plans could impact the team's performance in this game.
Proper management and appropriate planning in the current situation can help Esteghlal participate in this match with greater readiness and take advantage of the opportunities ahead. In these circumstances, it is hoped that the club officials can wisely find the best solution for traveling to Doha.
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