Esteqlal pulls out of League Cup

IRNA - Esteqlal here Thursday announced its withdrawal from Iran's League Cup.

Esteqlal was to travel to the northern capital Sari on April 28 to play Nojan in the League Cup quarterfinal.

The capital's popular side that celebrated the fifth Iran Pro League (IPL) title last Friday explained that eight players of the team are training in national camp and some have been sidelined by injuries.

National call-up and injuries prompted the club's directorate to make the decision, read the announcement.

Esteqlal Sports-Cultural Club has apologized to millions of fans and northerners, vowing to play a friendly in the province at an appropriate time.

Winning 59 points from 30 games, Esteqlal lifted the IPL trophy in Azadi Stadium packed with over 110,000 fans.

The Football Federation has yet to decide on the Blues' withdrawal.