News / Sports

Iran Team Melli’s first ever goalkeeper Taari passes away aged 93

Sunday, 12 August 2018 7:13 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 12 August 2018 7:20 AM ]

The first ever goalkeeper of the Iran men’s national football team, Ghorban Ali Taari (file photo)

The first ever goalkeeper of the Iran men’s national football team, Ghorban Ali Taari, has passed away at the age of 93.

Taari, who was born in the Iranian capital city of Tehran, died at his home there on Friday.

The late keeper had just one international appearance. He was the custodian of the Iran soccer team, nicknamed Team Melli, during the match against Turkey in Istanbul on May 28, 1950. Team Melli lost the fixture 1-6.

Taari started his goalkeeping career in Shahin Tehran Football Club. He also played in Persepolis Football Club, Taj Football Club – now known as Esteghlal Football Club – and Daraei Football Club.

He was among the first reporters and analysts in sports programs of the Iranian radio.

“The tragic news about the demise of late Ghorban Ali Taari brought sorrow to the Iranian football community. I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased, his dear teammates and the Iranian football community over the tragedy, and convey my prayers for eternal peace for the departed soul,” President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, wrote in a message of condolences on Saturday.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Iran Istanbul Turkey Persepolis football Iran national soccer team Esteghlal Goalkeeper Team Melli Esteghlal Tehran FC Taj Football Club Ghorban Ali Taari