Uzbek Footballers Complete Mass Exit from Iran Amid Regional Crisis

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Nearly all Uzbek professional footballers competing in the 2025/2026 Iranian Pro League season have evacuated the country, following a rapid escalation of regional tensions. The mass departure of the legionnaires signals a significant disruption to the league as foreign players seek safety abroad.

According to reporting from Championat.Asia, Esteghlal defender Rustam Ashurmatov has relocated to Dubai, while his teammate Jaloliddin Masharipov has traveled to Italy, where he is reportedly undergoing a rehabilitation program. The exodus also includes Persepolis winger Oston Urunov, who successfully crossed the Iranian border into Türkiye.

Forward Igor Sergeev has similarly departed the country via land border crossings. Meanwhile, Tractor Sazi midfielder Odil Khamrobekov has already arrived back in Tashkent, becoming one of the first high-profile players to return to the Uzbek capital.

The synchronized departure of these athletes reflects a broader trend of foreign nationals exiting the Islamic Republic as diplomatic and security conditions deteriorate. It remains unclear when, or if, the players will return to fulfill their contractual obligations for the remainder of the season.