Iran’s football association (FA) chief says he has no knowledge of any plans to include striker Sardar Azmoun in the upcoming World Cup squad. The comments come after Azmoun is left out of Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei’s preliminary team list. One report says Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 international matches, is not named in the provisional squad amid allegations of disloyalty to the government. The FA chief’s lack of awareness is presented as a contrast to the reported circumstances surrounding Azmoun’s omission. Based on the available reporting, the key issue is whether Azmoun’s World Cup selection is being considered independently of the preliminary squad, and what role—if any—non-sporting factors play in the selection process. The information also highlights uncertainty around the decision-making process for tournament call-ups, with the FA chief distancing himself from details of how Azmoun’s case is handled. The reports do not provide additional confirmation of any final World Cup inclusion or exclusion beyond the preliminary omission.