Former Persepolis player Morteza Kermani Moghaddam has launched a fierce attack on Uzbekistan striker Igor Sergeev and called for the Tehran club to let him leave.
The 33-year-old has come under increased criticism after Persepolis’ 1-0 league defeat to Foolad.
Sergeev came off the bench in the second half and was presented with a clear one-on-one opportunity, but failed to convert. Foolad later scored the winner.
Kermani-Moghaddam told Iranian news agency IRNA:
“I have always wondered how Igor Sergeev ended up at Persepolis in the first place.
“In my opinion, he is nowhere near the required level and the Persepolis shirt is too big for him.
“The sooner he leaves the team, the better it will be for everyone. I hope the club makes a decision about this player as soon as possible.”
There was an unusual response the following day.
Persepolis played a friendly against Islamic Azad University of Karaj and won 8-0, with Sergeev scoring four times.
The performance also attracted attention in Iran, with local media contrasting his four friendly goals with the chance he missed against Foolad.
Sergeev has scored once in the Iranian league this season.
His first months in Tehran were more productive. After joining from Pakhtakor in January 2026, he scored on his debut against Sepahan and struck four times in his first eight appearances.
Before moving to Iran, Sergeev held talks over a possible move to Russian Premier League side Krylia Sovetov.
The Uzbekistan international instead signed an 18-month contract with Persepolis, reportedly worth more than $1million.
His deal runs until summer 2027.
Uzbekistan team-mate Oston Urunov is also at the Tehran based club.