Iran Pro League (Persian Gulf Pro League)
The Iran Pro League, officially called the
Persian Gulf Pro League since 2006, is the top-tier professional football division in Iran.
Founded in 2001, it replaced the Azadegan League as part of the modernization of Iranian football.
It is one of Asia’s most competitive leagues with passionate fans and historic rivalries.
History and facts
The league was established in 2001–02 with the goal of professionalizing Iranian domestic football.
It has been dominated by traditional giants
Iranian clubs consistently compete in the AFC Champions League, with Persepolis and Esteghlal reaching multiple finals.
The famous Tehran Derby (Persepolis vs Esteghlal) is one of Asia’s most intense rivalries.
League system
The Iran Pro League features 16 clubs.
The bottom teams are relegated to the Azadegan League (second division).
Table 1. Iran football league pyramid
| League | Tier |
|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Pro League | 1 |
| Azadegan League | 2 |
| 2nd Division | 3 |
| 3rd Division | 4 |
Below the 3rd Division are provincial and regional competitions.
Stats
Teams with most Iran Pro League titles
Table 2. Most Iran Pro League titles
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Persepolis | 8 |
| Sepahan | 5 |
| Esteghlal | 4 |
| Foolad | 2 |
| Tractor | 1 |
Persepolis is the most successful club in modern league history.
Teams with most top-division participation
Table 3. Clubs with most seasons in Iran’s top division
| Club | Seasons |
|---|---|
| Persepolis | 40+ |
| Esteghlal | 40+ |
| Sepahan | 30+ |
| Tractor | 30+ |
| Foolad | 25+ |
Persepolis and Esteghlal have appeared in nearly every top-flight season.
Audience
Stadium capacities
Table 4. Major stadiums in Iran Pro League
| Team | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Persepolis / Esteghlal | Azadi Stadium | 78,116 |
| Sepahan | Naghshe Jahan Stadium | 75,000 |
| Tractor | Sahand Stadium | 66,833 |
| Foolad | Foolad Arena | 30,000 |
| Aluminium Arak | Imam Khomeini Stadium | 15,000 |
Players
Famous players in Iran Pro League history
- Ali Daei
- Ali Karimi
- Mehdi Taremi
- Sardar Azmoun
- Voria Ghafouri
- Andranik Teymourian
- Karim Ansarifard
- Godwin Mensha
Iran Pro League timeline
2001
Iran Pro League is officially founded, replacing the Azadegan League as top tier.
2006
League is rebranded as the Persian Gulf Pro League.
2018
Persepolis reaches the AFC Champions League final.
2020
Persepolis reaches AFC Champions League final again.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf_Pro_League
https://www.the-afc.com
https://www.rsssf.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf_Pro_League
https://www.the-afc.com
https://www.rsssf.org
