Mehdi Taj stated regarding the latest changes and requirements of the professional football licensing system and the changes made to the requirements concerning stadiums: This year, there have been very important changes in the stadium section. In the past, stadiums had two or three conditions, but now the number of these requirements has increased, and stadiums are categorized into five levels A, B, C, D, and E.
Stadium Categorization and Licensing Conditions
The President of the Football Federation continued: This categorization determines which type of competition can be held in which stadium. With the conditions currently announced, only the Pars Stadium in Shiraz meets the requirements for obtaining a B license, while other stadiums fall into category C. However, this is not an issue, and we must gradually upgrade the conditions of the stadiums to reach levels B and A.
Taj added: For the year 2028, it has also been announced that the spectator areas and VIP sections of stadiums must be covered. Our friends in this regard have specifically stated in letters that conditions are continuously changing, and one of our problems and that of the Sports Facilities Development and Maintenance Company is this issue.
New Professional Licensing Requirements and Financial Fair Play
He pointed out the increase in professional licensing requirements, saying: Previously, issues such as profit and loss disclosure were discussed in professional licensing, but now other matters have been added to it. For example, in the past, requirements for stadiums included evacuating the stadium within a specified time, lighting intensity of 2000 lux, having VIP seats, and facilities such as scoreboards, but these conditions are still changing and being completed.
The President of the Football Federation identified the second important issue in the new professional licensing process as the requirements related to financial fair play, stating: In my opinion, one of the key points is financial fair play, which has become more serious in terms of legal pathways and requirements compared to the past. The reduction of accumulated losses must be reflected in the financial statements of clubs, and we can no longer grant licenses to clubs whose accumulated losses are increasing.
Taj also referred to the issue of club owners' rights, stating: Improving the rights of owners is also one of the important issues, and shareholders must see profitability in the financial process and financial reports.
He concluded by emphasizing that clubs must publish their financial statements on their official websites to increase financial transparency in Iranian football.
