Foreign players stranded in Iran may now have a path back to competitive football, with Championat Asia reporting that those contracted to Iranian clubs have been allowed to make short-term moves elsewhere.
The reported mechanism allows foreign players to suspend their existing contracts and continue playing in other leagues on temporary deals. In practical terms, it appears similar to the special framework FIFA previously introduced for foreign players contracted to Russian and Ukrainian clubs.
According to the report, the arrangement is temporary and will remain in place until the Iranian league resumes.
No separate official clarification from FIFA on an Iran-specific mechanism had been found at the time of publication.
For clubs in Uzbekistan, however, the window for such moves is effectively limited to May 5. After that, the Uzbek Super League will go on pause, reducing the opportunities for short-term signings.
Even so, that brief period could still matter for several Uzbekistan internationals who need match fitness ahead of the World Cup. Reports suggest Rustam Ashurmatov of Esteghlal could join Neftchi Fergana, while Uzbek clubs may also look at Igor Sergeev and Oston Urunov of Persepolis, Odiljon Khamrobekov of Tractor, and Jaloliddin Masharipov of Esteghlal, although the latter is currently recovering from injury.
Another player who could benefit from the temporary arrangement ahead of the World Cup is Haiti international and Esteghlal striker Duckens Nazon.
The issue extends beyond Central Asia. After the outbreak of military action in Iran, a number of foreign players were left in limbo and effectively forced to leave the country.
Among the best-known names affected are former Barcelona academy player and Morocco international Munir El Haddadi, Mali winger and former Southampton player Moussa Djenepo, and French striker Enzo Crivelli.
Balkan footballers make up the largest share of foreign players in the Iranian league. The list includes Montenegro international midfielder Marko Bakic, North Macedonia winger Stefan Ashkovski, former Serbia defender Aleksandar Sedlar and his compatriot Nemanja Tomasevic.
Tractor alone have several Balkan players on their books, including Igor Postonjski, Domagoj Drožđek, Tomislav Štrkalj and Tibor Halilović. The league also features Albania international winger Jasir Asani and his compatriot Regi Lushkja.
The situation could also affect other Central Asian internationals short of playing time, including Tajikistan defenders Vahdat Hanonov of Sepahan and Amadoni Kamolov of Gol Gohar, as well as Kyrgyzstan forward Joel Kojo of Esteghlal, who is also recovering from injury.
A total of 41 foreign players are currently registered with Iranian clubs, with the biggest share coming from the Balkans, followed by Central Asia and South America.