Iran announced their squad for the 2018 World Cup on Sunday, with two midfield stars making the cut despite being banned last year for playing against an Israeli team. Masoud Shojaei and Ehsan Haji Safi were among the 35 players announced by Iran’s Football Federation on its website. But there was uproar from fans and confusion reigned over the issue, with Shojaei returning to the national squad in March and Haji Safi never actually banned. Team Melli faces a tough group in the World Cup, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Shojaei will be making a record third appearance for Iran at the World Cup.

Source: Hindustan Times May 14, 2018 12:11 UTC