Persian Gulf Pro League
The Persian Gulf Pro League (Persian: لیگ برتر خلیج فارس, Lig-e Bartar-e Xalij-e Fârs), formerly known as the Iran Pro League (Persian: لیگ برتر ایران, Lig-e bartar-e Irân), is the highest division of professional football in Iran. It is the top-level football league in Iran since its foundation. Each year, its top team becomes the Iranian football champion, and the two lowest finishers are relegated to Azadegan League.
| Organising body | Football League Organization |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2 November 2001; 21 years ago |
| Country | Iran |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of teams | 16 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | Azadegan League |
| Domestic cup(s) | Hazfi Cup Iranian Super Cup |
| International cup(s) | AFC Champions League |
| Current champions | Esteghlal (9th title) (2021–22) |
| Most championships | Persepolis (14 titles) |
| Most appearances | Jalal Hosseini (494) |
| Top goalscorer | Reza Enayati (149 goals) |
| TV partners | Iraqiya Sports |
| Website | persianleague.com |
| Current: 2022–23 Persian Gulf Pro League | |
Since 2013, the league comprises 16 teams. The winner and runner-up of the Persian Gulf Pro League along with the Hazfi Cup champion are automatically qualified for the AFC Champions League group stages. The third of the Persian Gulf Pro League is qualified for the AFC Champions League Play-off round. The bottom two teams in the league are relegated to Azadegan League. In the past, the format and number of teams were changed for various times. Persepolis is the most successful club with seven titles.
History
To the turn of the millennium the Iranian Football Federation decided to create a new professional football league. In 2001, the Iran Pro League was founded as the new top-level football league in Iran.[1] With the foundation of the Iran Pro League also professional football was finally established in Iran. After the Iran Pro League was established as the professional football league of Iran, Azadegan League was declared as the second-highest league in the Iranian football league system.[1] The Iran Pro League comprised 14 clubs until the 2003–04 season.
The first winner of the Iran Pro League was Persepolis, who beat archrival Esteghlal Tehran by one point on the final match day. Esteghlal Tehran was the leading team after 25 matchdays, but they lost their last match away against Malavan 0–1, while Persepolis could beat Fajr Sepasi with the same score at home. Esteghlal Rasht and East Azerbaijan's famous club Tractor had been relegated to the Azadegan League. Tractor took eight years to return to Iran's highest division. The first top goal scorer of the Iran Pro League was Reza Enayati of Aboomoslem with 17 goals. The next season was won by Sepahan, the most supported team of Isfahan. Sepahan was the first Iranian football champion based outside of the capital Tehran. At the end of the season three traditional teams were relegated to Azadegan League: Aboomoslem, Malavan and Sanat Naft Abadan.
The runner-up of the 2002–03 season, PAS Tehran, became the Iranian football champion of the 2003–04 Iran Pro League. It was the last Iranian championship for PAS Tehran as one of the most successful Iranian football clubs of all time. PAS Tehran's professional football team was dissolved in 2007. Ali Daei, who returned to Persepolis, became the top goal scorer with 16 goals. The 2003–04 season was the last edition of the league with 14 teams.
In 2004, the number of teams were increased from 14 to 16 teams. Foolad of Ahvaz became the first champion from Khuzestan Province after winning the 2004–05 Iran Pro League six points ahead of Zob Ahan. Reza Enayati of Esteghlal Tehran became the league's top goal scorer for the second time in his career after scoring 20 goals in 24 matches. He repeated his success with 21 goals in the 2005–06 Iran Pro League when Esteghlal Tehran celebrated their first championship since 2001. They defeated Bargh Shiraz in front of over 100,000 fans at Azadi 4–1 and won the league one point ahead of PAS Tehran. Shamoushak Noshahr and Shahid Ghandi (today known as Tarbiat Yazd) relegated to Azadegan League.
Persian Gulf Cup
On 12 August 2006, the Iranian Football Federation decided to give the league another name.[2] Since then, the league had been primarily known in Iran as Persian Gulf Cup (PGC). The Football Federation decided this to promote the Persian naming. The name of the Persian Gulf has been disputed by some Arab countries since the 1960s due to political and ethnic differences between Iran and Arab countries. The football Federation decided also to change the logo of the league. The final logo was selected from over 130 designs and unveiled on 14 November 2006.[3] Under the leadership of Iranian football legend Ali Daei, Saipa won the 2006–07 Persian Gulf Cup two points ahead of Esteghlal Ahvaz. Until 2007 six different teams won the league title successively. For the first time in history a foreign player became the league's top goal scorer. Nigerian striker Daniel Olerum scored 17 goals in 27 matches for Aboomoslem. The winner of only two seasons before, Foolad, had to relegated to Azadegan League.
Before the start of the 2007–08 season the number of teams were increased from 16 to 18 teams. The professional football team of PAS Tehran was also dissolved before the start of the season. Instead of PAS Tehran a new club was founded in Hamadan and named PAS Hamedan. This was part of the strategy by the Iranian Football Federation to locate more teams in cities outside of Tehran. In 2008, Saba Battery was also moved from Tehran to Qom. Since then, the club is known as Saba Qom. The championship of the 2007–08 season was decided on the last matchday. Persepolis defeated Sepahan in front of an incredible crowd of 110,000 fans at Azadi by the final score of 2–1. Sepehr Heidari scored the decisive goal in a dramatic match in the sixth minute of additional time. Sanat Naft and Shirin Faraz (today known as Rahian Kermanshah) relegated to Azadegan League. The next season was dominated by Perspolis archrival Esteghlal Tehran and the two surprising teams Zob Ahan and Mes Kerman. Zob Ahan was the leading team after 75 minutes on matchday 34, before they lost their match against Foolad due to three conceded goals in the last 15 minutes with 1–4. In the meantime, Esteghlal Tehran saved their 1–0 lead against Payam Mashhad and won the league due to better goal difference. Last but not least, Payam Mashhad had to relegated alongside Bargh Shiraz and Damash.
The 2009–10 Persian Gulf Cup was dominated by the two Isfahan based clubs Sepahan and Zob Ahan. Ultimately Sepahan won the league six points before Zob Ahan. Sepahan Iraqi striker Emad Mohammed became the second foreign player, who won the league's top goal scorer award. He scored 19 goals, one more than his teammate Ibrahima Touré. Sepahan repeated their success by winning the 2010–11 and 2011–12 Persian Gulf Cup. For the first time in history of Iranian football a team became the Iranian champion three times in a row. Esteghlal Tehran broke Sepahan's success finally in 2013. Esteghlal Tehran won the 2012–13 Persian Gulf Cup and became for the eight time in their history the Iranian champion. During an exciting championship battle between Esteghlal Tehran and Sepahan, they faced each other in Tehran's Azadi Stadium on week 32. Moharram Navidkia scored the opening goal for Sepahan, however Esteghlal Tehran equalized in the 94th minute due to an own goal by Sepahan defender Mohsen Irannejad. On week 33 Sepahan lost their away game against Damash 1–2, while Esteghlal Tehran could beat Foolad in Ahvaz with 1–0 and became the 2013 champion.
The League was scaled down from 18 to 16 teams before the beginning of the next season. Foolad won the 2013–14 Persian Gulf Cup after an exciting, though a very defensive season at the same time. At the end, Foolad ranged just 36 goals for the title. On the last matchday four other teams, Esteghlal Tehran, Naft Tehran, Persepolis and Sepahan, had the chance to win the championship alongside Foolad. While Esteghlal Tehran were defeated by Tractor at home with 1–3 and lost their AFC Champions League spot, Persepolis won their away game against Esteghlal Khuzestan with 1–0. Sepahan and Naft Tehran faced each other directly. Also Sepahan lost their AFC Champions League spot although they won the match with 1–0. Both teams had the same goal difference but Naft Tehran scored more goals in the season. Finally Foolad saved their championship after they defeated Gostaresh Foulad away by a goal of Mehrdad Jama'ati.
Persian Gulf Pro League
The league changed its name from Persian Gulf Cup to Persian Gulf Pro League in 2014. The Iranian Football Federation decided also to change the logos of the Persian Gulf Pro League and of the Azadegan League. The 2014–15 Persian Gulf Pro League was embossed by an exciting championship battle between Sepahan, Tractor and Naft Tehran. Tractor was ahead of their opponents Naft Tehran on goal difference, and a point of Sepahan. Tractor and Naft Tehran faced each other at Sahand, while Sepahan had to play Saipa at home. Tractor were in front 3–1 after an hour thanks to goals from Brazilian striker Edinho, Andranik Teymourian and Farid Karimi. But, then the game started to turn worse for Tractor. A very controversial red card for national team captain Andranik Teymourian and two goals by the visitors destroyed Tractor dreams. Furthermore, there were strange events in the stadium, including a lot of misinformation and disturbed telecommunication. Although Sepahan secured their title with a 2–0 victory over Saipa, thousands of Tractor supporters celebrated on the pitch, believing that they won the league for the first time in club's history.[4][5]
Also the 2015–16 Persian Gulf Pro League was not decided until the last matchday. Thanks to two goals from Rahim Zahivi at the last matchday against Zob Ahan, the Ahvaz based team Esteghlal Khuzestan won the league sensational in front of Persepolis and Esteghlal Tehran.[6] Persepolis missed their big opportunity winning the league after eight years. They were shocked on matchday 28 as they lost their match against Naft Tehran 0–2 at a packed Azadi. However, Persepolis dominated the next season and won the 2016–17 Persian Gulf Pro League clear before Esteghlal Tehran and Tractor.[7] Persepolis football team claimed the Iran Professional League (IPL) with three games to spare and repeated the title in 2017-18 Season. The Following Season Persepolis again were champion for three times in a row.
Format
In the past, the number of teams were changed for various times. Since 2013, the league comprises 16 teams. Over the course of a season, which runs annually from July to the following May, each team plays twice against the others in the league, once at home and once away, resulting in each team competing in 30 games in total. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The teams are ranked in the league table by points gained, then goal difference, then goals scored and then their head-to-head record for that season.
At the end of the season, the club with the most points becomes the Iranian champion. Currently, the Championand the Hazfi Cup champion qualify automatically for the group phase of the AFC Champions League, while the second and third-place teams enter the AFC Champions League at the Play-off round. The bottom two teams are relegated to Azadegan League. Furthermore, all teams in the Persian Gulf Pro League can participate in the Hazfi Cup.
Logo
Ranking
Updated on 7 December 2021.(Source)
| Ranking | Member Association | Club Points | 100% | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021[8] | 2020[9] | Mvmt | Region | 2018[10] | 2019[11] | 2020[a] | 2021[12] | Total | ||
| 1 | 3 | +2 | 1 (W) | Saudi Arabia | 10.000 | 26.350 | 0.000 | 20.950 | 57.300 | 100.000 |
| 2 | 6 | +4 | 1 (E) | South Korea | 18.350 | 13.600 | 0.000 | 22.750 | 54.700 | 95.462 |
| 3 | 2 | -1 | 2 (E) | Japan | 13.850 | 21.800 | 0.000 | 17.875 | 53.525 | 93.412 |
| 4 | 5 | +1 | 2 (W) | Iran | 18.850 | 11.500 | 0.000 | 14.225 | 44.575 | 77.792 |
| 5 | 4 | -1 | 3 (W) | Qatar | 19.850 | 15.900 | 0.000 | 7.300 | 43.050 | 75.131 |
| 6 | 10 | +4 | 4 (W) | Uzbekistan | 9.400 | 9.000 | 0.000 | 18.671 | 37.071 | 64.696 |
Clubs (2022–23)
| Team | Location | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Arak | Arak | Imam Khomeini | 15,000 |
| Esteghlal Tehran | Tehran | Azadi | 78,116 |
| Foolad | Ahvaz | Foolad Arena | 30,655 |
| Gol Gohar Sirjan | Sirjan | Shahid Qasem Soleimani | 8,000 |
| Havadar | Karaj | Enghelab Stadium | 8,250 |
| Malavan | Bandar-e Anzali | Sirous Ghayeghran | 8,000 |
| Mes Kerman | Kerman | Shohadaye Mes Kerman | 30,000 |
| Mes Rafsanjan | Rafsanjan | Shohadaye Mes | 10,000 |
| Naft Masjed Soleyman | Masjed Soleyman | Behnam Mohammadi | 8,000 |
| Nassaji Mazandaran | Mashhad | Imam Reza | 27,700 |
| Paykan | Shahr-e Qods | Shahr-e Qods | 18,000 |
| Persepolis | Tehran | Azadi | 78,116 |
| Sanat Naft | Abadan | Takhti Abadan | 8,000 |
| Sepahan | Isfahan | Naghsh-e-Jahan | 75,000 |
| Tractor | Tabriz | Yadegar-e Emam | 66,833 |
| Zob Ahan | Fooladshahr | Fooladshahr | 20,000 |
Champions
Persian Gulf Pro League
| Club | Winners | Runners-up | Winning seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persepolis | 7 | 3 | 2001–02, 2007–08, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 |
| Sepahan | 5 | 3 | 2002–03, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15 |
| Esteghlal Tehran | 4 | 5 | 2005–06, 2008–09, 2012–13, 2021–22 |
| Foolad | 2 | 0 | 2004–05, 2013–14 |
| PAS Tehran | 1 | 2 | 2003–04 |
| Saipa | 1 | 0 | 2006–07 |
| Esteghlal Khuzestan | 1 | 0 | 2015–16 |
| Zob Ahan | 0 | 4 | – |
| Tractor | 0 | 3 | – |
| Esteghlal Ahvaz | 0 | 1 | – |
Total
| Club | Winners | Runners-up | Winning seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persepolis | 14 | 10 | 1971–72, 1973–74, 1975–76, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2001–02, 2007–08, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 |
| Esteghlal Tehran | 9 | 10 | 1970–71, 1974–75, 1989–90, 1997–98, 2000–01, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2012–13, 2021–22 |
| PAS Tehran | 5 | 5 | 1976–77, 1977–78, 1991–92, 1992–93, 2003–04 |
| Sepahan | 5 | 3 | 2002–03, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15 |
| Saipa | 3 | 0 | 1993–94, 1994–95, 2006–07 |
| Foolad | 2 | 0 | 2004–05, 2013–14 |
| Esteghlal Khuzestan | 1 | 0 | 2015–16 |
| Zob Ahan | 0 | 4 | – |
| Tractor | 0 | 3 | – |
| Bahman | 0 | 2 | – |
| Homa | 0 | 1 | – |
| Esteghlal Ahvaz | 0 | 1 | – |
All-time Pro League table
| Pos. | Club | Seasons | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | T4 | T7 | Debut | Since/Last App. | Relegated | Best Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esteghlal Tehran1 | 21 | 642 | 319 | 205 | 118 | 940 | 565 | +375 | 1161 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 17 | 19 | 2001–02 | 2001–02 | — | 1st |
| 2 | Persepolis2 3 4 | 21 | 642 | 312 | 202 | 128 | 911 | 586 | +325 | 1125 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — | 1 | 15 | 18 | 2001–02 | 2001–02 | — | 1st |
| 3 | Sepahan5 | 21 | 642 | 291 | 208 | 143 | 921 | 602 | +319 | 1078 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 17 | 2001–02 | 2001–02 | — | 1st |
| 4 | Zob Ahan6 | 21 | 642 | 242 | 214 | 186 | 763 | 656 | +107 | 939 | — | 4 | 1 | 4 | — | 6 | 1 | 9 | 16 | 2001–02 | 2001–02 | — | 2nd |
| 5 | Foolad | 20 | 608 | 232 | 210 | 166 | 692 | 600 | +92 | 906 | 2 | — | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 2001–02 | 2008–09 | 1 | 1st |
| 6 | Saipa | 20 | 612 | 186 | 217 | 209 | 660 | 701 | −41 | 775 | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2001–02 | 2020–21 | 1 | 1st |
| 7 | Tractor7 | 14 | 432 | 176 | 145 | 111 | 548 | 429 | +119 | 672 | — | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 2001–02 | 2009–10 | 1 | 2nd |
| 8 | Paykan | 17 | 520 | 152 | 162 | 206 | 532 | 632 | −100 | 618 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 2001–02 | 2016–17 | 4 | 5th |
| 9 | Rah Ahan | 11 | 356 | 170 | 102 | 84 | 643 | 380 | +263 | 612 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2005–06 | 2015–16 | 1 | 3th |
| 10 | Saba Qom/Saba Battery | 13 | 414 | 128 | 159 | 127 | 468 | 459 | +9 | 543 | — | — | 1 | 2 | — | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2004–05 | 2016–17 | 1 | 3rd |
| 11 | Malavan8 | 14 | 436 | 121 | 145 | 170 | 403 | 502 | −99 | 507 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2001–02 | 2022–23 | 2 | 7th |
| 12 | Fajr Sepasi | 13 | 400 | 103 | 147 | 150 | 357 | 434 | −77 | 456 | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2001–02 | 2013–14 | 2 | 4th |
| 13 | Sanat Naft | 11 | 344 | 97 | 106 | 141 | 349 | 442 | −93 | 397 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2002–03 | 2016–17 | 3 | 7th |
| 14 | Naft Tehran | 8 | 252 | 91 | 88 | 73 | 286 | 258 | +28 | 361 | — | — | 2 | — | 3 | — | — | 2 | 5 | 2010–11 | 2017–18 | 1 | 3rd |
| 15 | Mes Kerman | 8 | 264 | 85 | 99 | 80 | 310 | 292 | +18 | 354 | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2006–07 | 2022–23 | 1 | 3rd |
| 16 | Aboomoslem | 9 | 270 | 83 | 90 | 97 | 296 | 304 | −8 | 339 | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 1 | 4 | 2001–02 | 2009–10 | 1 | 4th |
| 17 | Esteghlal Ahvaz | 9 | 274 | 80 | 78 | 116 | 327 | 402 | −75 | 318 | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | 2 | 2002–03 | 2015–16 | 2 | 2nd |
| 18 | Shahr Khodro15 | 8 | 240 | 74 | 80 | 86 | 218 | 245 | −27 | 294 | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2 | 2014–15 | 2021–22 | 1 | 4th |
| 19 | PAS Tehran9 | 6 | 168 | 72 | 59 | 37 | 263 | 181 | +82 | 274 | 1 | 2 | — | 1 | — | 1 | — | 4 | 5 | 2001–02 | 2006–07 | — | 1st |
| 20 | Bargh | 8 | 236 | 60 | 78 | 98 | 252 | 335 | −83 | 258 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2001–02 | 2008–09 | 1 | 7th |
| 21 | Damash/Pegah/Esteghlal Rasht10 | 8 | 248 | 56 | 81 | 111 | 227 | 344 | −117 | 248 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 2001–02 | 2013–14 | 4 | 7th |
| 22 | Esteghlal Khuzestan16 | 6 | 180 | 45 | 68 | 67 | 174 | 220 | −46 | 197 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2013–14 | 2018–19 | 1 | 1st |
| 23 | Gostaresh Foolad | 5 | 150 | 39 | 60 | 51 | 147 | 161 | −14 | 177 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2013–14 | 2017–18 | — | 8th |
| 24 | PAS Hamedan | 4 | 136 | 38 | 48 | 50 | 143 | 165 | −22 | 162 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 2007–08 | 2010–11 | 1 | 5th |
| 25 | Nassaji | 4 | 120 | 30 | 50 | 40 | 110 | 130 | −20 | 140 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2018–19 | 2018–19 | — | 9th |
| 26 | Naft Masjed Soleyman | 5 | 150 | 23 | 67 | 60 | 94 | 157 | −63 | 136 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2014–15 | 2018–19 | 1 | 8th |
| 27 | Gol Gohar | 3 | 90 | 33 | 30 | 27 | 97 | 94 | +3 | 129 | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2019–20 | 2019–20 | — | 4th |
| 28 | Shahin Bushehr | 4 | 132 | 27 | 48 | 57 | 124 | 175 | −51 | 129 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2009–10 | 2019–20 | 2 | 13th |
| 29 | Pars Jonoubi Jam | 3 | 90 | 22 | 38 | 30 | 82 | 87 | −5 | 104 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2017–18 | 2019–20 | 1 | 5th |
| 30 | Machine Sazi | 4 | 120 | 17 | 39 | 64 | 84 | 163 | −79 | 90 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2016–17 | 2020–21 | 2 | 11th |
| 31 | Mes Rafsanjan | 2 | 60 | 22 | 17 | 21 | 62 | 59 | +3 | 83 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | 2020–21 | 2020–21 | — | 6th |
| 32 | Steel Azin11 | 2 | 68 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 85 | 112 | −27 | 80 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | 2009–10 | 2010–11 | 1 | 5th |
| 33 | Aluminium Arak | 2 | 60 | 15 | 29 | 16 | 45 | 56 | −11 | 74 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2020–21 | 2020–21 | — | 8th |
| 34 | Shamoushak | 3 | 86 | 16 | 26 | 44 | 66 | 118 | −52 | 74 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2003–04 | 2005–06 | 1 | 14th |
| 35 | Siah Jamegan | 3 | 90 | 15 | 27 | 48 | 64 | 117 | −53 | 72 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2015–16 | 2017–18 | 1 | 13th |
| 36 | Shahrdari Tabriz | 2 | 68 | 14 | 29 | 25 | 79 | 98 | −19 | 71 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2010–11 | 2011–12 | 1 | 12th |
| 37 | Sepidrood | 2 | 60 | 11 | 17 | 32 | 48 | 92 | −44 | 50 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 1 | 13th |
| 38 | Aluminium Hormozgan | 1 | 34 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 26 | 40 | −14 | 35 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2012–13 | 2012–13 | 1 | 15th |
| 39 | Payam | 1 | 34 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 33 | 52 | −19 | 35 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2008–09 | 2008–09 | 1 | 16th |
| 40 | Havadar | 1 | 30 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 18 | 25 | −7 | 34 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2021–22 | 2021–22 | — | 11th |
| 41 | Mes Sarcheshmeh | 1 | 34 | 5 | 9 | 20 | 23 | 54 | −31 | 24 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2011–12 | 2011–12 | 1 | 18th |
| 42 | Shirin Faraz12 | 1 | 34 | 3 | 12 | 19 | 25 | 59 | −34 | 21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2007–08 | 2007–08 | 1 | 18th |
| 43 | Shahid Ghandi13 | 1 | 30 | 4 | 7 | 19 | 21 | 43 | −22 | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2005–06 | 2005–06 | 1 | 16th |
| 44 | Gahar Zagros14 | 1 | 34 | 3 | 10 | 21 | 24 | 59 | −35 | 19 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2012–13 | 2012–13 | 1 | 18th |
| 2022–23 Persian Gulf Pro League | |
| 2022–23 Azadegan League | |
| Lower leagues | |
| Defunct teams | |
| Founding members |
Source: iplstats.com
Notes:
Only league matches; play-offs are not included in the all-time table.
1 Esteghlal Tehran was deducted one point in the 2013–14 season.
2 Persepolis was deducted six points in the 2005–06 season.
3 Persepolis was deducted six points in the 2007–08 season.
4 Persepolis was deducted one point in the 2013–14 season.
5 Sepahan was deducted three points in the 2007–08 season.
6 Zob Ahan was deducted one point in the 2005–06 season.
7 Tractor was deducted one point in the 2013–14 season.
8 Malavan was deducted one point in the 2013–14 season.
9 PAS Tehran was deducted one point in the 2006–07 season.
10 Damash was deducted one point in the 2013–14 season.
11 Steel Azin was formerly known as Ekbatan.
12 Rahian Kermanshah was formerly known as Shirin Faraz.
13 Tarbiat Yazd was formerly known as Shahid Ghandi.
14 Gahar Zagros was formerly known as Damash Lorestan.
15 Shahr Khodro was deducted six points in the 2017–18 season.
16 Esteghlal Khuzestan was deducted six points in the 2018–19 season.
Attendances
Average league attendances
| Season | Average | Highest attended club | Club average | Lowest attended club | Club average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | 9,179 | Esteghlal Tehran | 33,467 | Shamoushak Noshahr | 3,542 |
| 2006–07 | 10,119 | Esteghlal Tehran | 35,000 | Rah Ahan | 4,073 |
| 2007–08 | 11,235 | Persepolis | 60,000 | Rah Ahan | 2,647 |
| 2008–09 | 8,954 | Persepolis | 40,688 | PAS Hamedan | 3,706 |
| 2009–10 | 12,298 | Tractor | 57,647 | Paykan | 2,313 |
| 2010–11 | 9,383 | Tractor | 42,000 | Paykan | 1,941 |
| 2011–12 | 9,488 | Tractor | 39,533 | Mes Sarcheshmeh | 1,706 |
| 2012–13 | 7,964 | Esteghlal Tehran | 34,250 | Rah Ahan | 1,942 |
| 2013–14 | 7,631 | Persepolis | 29,467 | Rah Ahan | 1,664 |
| 2014–15 | 6,921[13] | Tractor | 27,488 | Saba Qom | 1,365 |
| 2015–16 | 8,048[14] | Persepolis | 47,036 | Naft Tehran | 1,594 |
| 2016–17 | 8,086[15] | Persepolis | 48,567 | Gostaresh Foulad | 1,018 |
| 2017–18 | 9,060[16] | Persepolis | 39,786 | Gostaresh Foulad | 817 |
| 2018–19 | 12,212[17] | Tractor | 46,963 | Esteghlal Khuzestan | 1,507 |
| 2019–20 | 8,629 | Persepolis | 27,556 | Machine Sazi | 840 |
| 2020–21 | No spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran[18] | ||||
| 2021–22 | 10,572[citation needed] | Esteghlal Tehran | 37,400 | Paykan | 100 |
Notes:
Matches with spectator bans are not included in average attendances.
The official game reports can be found under the match schedule on iranleague.ir. The viewer numbers are noted in these. This results in average attendance.
Highest attended season matches
| Season | Home team | Score | Away team | Attendance | Date | Week | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | Esteghlal Tehran | 4–1 | Bargh Shiraz | 100,000 | 21 April 2006 | 30 | Azadi |
| 2006–07 | Persepolis | 2–1 | Esteghlal Tehran | 95,000 | 3 November 2006 | 8 | Azadi |
| 2007–08 | Persepolis | 2–1 | Sepahan | 110,000 | 17 May 2008 | 34 | Azadi |
| 2008–09 | Persepolis | 2–0 | Damash | 90,000 | 25 September 2008 | 8 | Azadi |
| Persepolis | 1–1 | Esteghlal Tehran | 90,000 | 3 October 2008 | 9 | Azadi | |
| Esteghlal Tehran | 1–1 | Persepolis | 90,000 | 13 February 2009 | 26 | Azadi | |
| 2009–10 | Tractor | 0–0 | Moghavemat | 95,000 | 22 January 2010 | 24 | Sahand |
| 2010–11 | Esteghlal Tehran | 1–0 | Persepolis | 100,000 | 15 October 2010 | 11 | Azadi |
| 2011–12 | Persepolis | 0–2 | Esteghlal Tehran | 100,000 | 16 September 2011 | 7 | Azadi |
| 2012–13 | Esteghlal Tehran | 0–0 | Persepolis | 100,000 | 25 January 2013 | 23 | Azadi |
| Esteghlal Tehran | 1–2 | Damash | 100,000 | 10 May 2013 | 34 | Azadi | |
| 2013–14 | Esteghlal Tehran | 0–0 | Persepolis | 100,000 | 6 September 2013 | 8 | Azadi |
| 2014–15 | Tractor | 3–3 | Naft Tehran | 80,000[19] | 15 May 2015 | 30 | Sahand |
| 2015–16 | Persepolis | 4–2 | Esteghlal Tehran | 100,000[20] | 15 April 2016 | 26 | Azadi |
| 2016–17 | Persepolis | 4–0 | Shahr Khodro | 80,000[21] | 19 April 2017 | 28 | Azadi |
| 2017–18 | Esteghlal Tehran | 1–0 | Persepolis | 100,000[22] | 1 March 2018 | 25 | Azadi |
| 2018–19 | Persepolis | 0–0 | Sepahan | 90,000[23] | 26 April 2019 | 27 | Azadi |
| 2019–20 | Tractor | 2–4 | Esteghlal Tehran | 80,000[24] | 1 November 2019 | 9 | Sahand |
| 2020–21 | No spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran[25] | ||||||
| 2021–22 | Esteghlal Tehran | 0–0 | Naft MIS | 85,000[26] | 30 May 2022 | 30 | Azadi |
Records
All-Time Persian Gulf League Top Scorers
- As of 30 June 2022
| No. | Player | Goals | Apps | GPGR | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reza Enayati | 147 | 358 | 0.41 | 2001- 2017 |
| 2 | Mehdi Rajabzadeh | 116 | 381 | 0.30 | 2001- 2018 |
| 3 | Arash Borhani | 115 | 339 | 0.33 | 2002- 2017 |
| 4 | Luciano Periera | 95 | 265 | 0.35 | 2012-Present |
| 5 | Fereydoon Fazli | 85 | 178 | 0.47 | 2001–2010 |
| 6 | Édinho | 82 | 183 | 0.44 | 2008- 2017 |
| 7 | Jalal Rafkhaei | 79 | 308 | 0.25 | 2005- 2016 |
| 8 | Mohammad Reza Khalatbari | 79 | 426 | 0.18 | 2004-Present |
| 9 | Karim Ansarifard | 77 | 182 | 0.42 | 2007- 2014 |
| 10 | Mohammad Ghazi | 76 | 340 | 0.22 | 2004-Present |
Players in bold are still active in the league.
*GPGR: Goals Per Game Ratio
All-time top appearances in Iran league
- As of 31 July 2021
| No | Player | Appearance | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jalal Hosseini | 492[27] | 2002–2022 |
| 2 | Mehdi Rahmati | 482[27] | 2001–2020 |
| 3 | Ebrahim Sadeghi | 438[27] | 2000–2017 |
| 4 | Mohammadreza Khalatbari | 407 | 2003- present |
| 5 | Mehdi Rajabzadeh | 381[27] | 2001–2018 |
| 6 | Morteza Asadi | 380[27] | 2005–2018 |
| 7 | Amir Hossein Sadeghi | 379[27] | 2003–2018 |
| 8 | Mohsen Bengar | 372[27] | 2003–2018 |
| 9 | Khosro Heydari | 370[27] | 2002–2019 |
| 10 | Mohammad Nouri | 369[27] | 2000–2021 |
Broadcasting and sponsorship
Broadcasting
The state-owned television channel IRIB has the broadcasting rights for the most matches of the Persian Gulf Pro League, Azadegan League and Hazfi Cup. Each match of Esteghlal Tehran and Persepolis is broadcasting by IRIB TV3, IRIB's popular channel. In addition to that Esteghlal Tehran and Persepolis playing not at the same time with the exception of the Sorkhabi derby and the last two matchdays of each season. IRIB Varzesh shows other important matches, while the remaining games are shown on IRIB regional channels. Furthermore, Navad, a popular weekly football program broadcast by IRIB TV3, shows highlights of all Persian Gulf Pro League and Azadegan League matches.
Sponsorship
The Persian Gulf Pro League has been sponsored since 2005. There have been four sponsors since the league's formation.
- 2001–2005: no sponsor
- 2005–2007: Zamzam
- 2007–2009: Padideh
- 2009–2014: Irancell
- 2014–2016: Sun Star
- 2016–present: Fanap
Ownership
See also
Notes
- ^ The 2020 season did not award points for the ranking because of the cancellation of 2020 AFC Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
References
- ^ a b . iranleague.ir. Archived from the original on 2018-09-10. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
- ^ (in Persian). ISNA. Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2006-08-14.
- ^ (in Persian). IRIFF Official Website. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2006-11-24.
- ^ Hurrey, Adam (18 May 2015). "Iranian side mistakenly celebrate winning the league title". Archived from the original on 2022-01-12 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ "Sepahan Wins Iran Professional League - Tasnim News Agency".
- ^ "Esteghlal Khuzestan crowned IPL champion, Malavan and Rah Ahan relegated(VIDEO)".
- ^ "Persepolis Crowned Champion of Persian Gulf Pro League 2016/17". 19 April 2017.
- ^ AFC Club Competitions Ranking 2021
- ^ AFC Club Competitions Ranking 2020
- ^ AFC Country Points 2018
- ^ AFC Country Points 2019
- ^ AFC Country Points 2021
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2015-05-30.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-06-26.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2017-06-04.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2018-06-02.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2019-05-31.
- ^ "ورزشگاه آزادی برای برگزاری دیدار بدون تماشاگر آماده است". 20 November 2020.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-05-03.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2016-07-06.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2017-06-02.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2018-03-02. Retrieved 2018-03-22.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2019-06-05.
- ^ "باخت ناباورانه تراکتور مقابل دیدگان ۸۰ هزار هوادار! / شاهکار استراماچونی در تبریز با هتریک دیاباته".
- ^ "ورزشگاه آزادی برای برگزاری دیدار بدون تماشاگر آماده است". 20 November 2020.
- ^ "به جای مانده از جشن قهرمانی استقلال؛ اوج بی برنامگی و بی نظمی در آزادی+تصاویر و فیلم". 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "مهدی - جلال؛ جنگ سیدها ابدی است!". Varzesh3 (in Persian). 2020-04-10. Archived from the original on 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
External links
- Persian Gulf Pro League at Soccerway.com
- List of Iran all-time top scorers at RSSSF