Iran Pro League Ends Dramatically

Iran's professional league, the Persian Gulf Pro League, now has its own Leicester City: Esteghlal Khouzestan. This season's underdog, which came from the talent-rich southwestern province of Khouzestan, experienced only its third season in Iran's top soccer competition and had perhaps one of the most obscure teams in the history of Iran's pro league. Nonetheless, as the 30th week of this season ended on Friday March 13, 2016, it was Esteghlal Khouzestan and its local squad that celebrated championship in Ahwaz, the center of Khouzestan Province. In Tehran, Iran's most popular team, Persepolis, came in second only on goal difference basis. With its failure to seize the cup, Persepolis continued its dry spell of 9 years without a championship in Iran's Pro League.

Sources: Tasnim/Mohammad Delkesh; IRNA/Mohammad-Reza Khabbazan, Jam-e Jam/Korosh Salehi