Iran's soccer federation has banned captain Masoud Shojaei from playing in the World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Syria, just weeks after he faced criticism for playing against an Israeli side.



Shojaei and his compatriot Ehsan Haji Safi faced controversy when they turned out for their Greek side Panionios against Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League qualifier earlier this month.



The two were banned for life from the Iranian national team as a punishment, but were reinstated following a huge outcry from soccer fans on social media and the launch of an investigation by FIFA, which has rules against political interference in national teams.

Deputy Sports Minister Mohammad Reza Davarzani initially suggested the pair would both be banned for violating the country"s "red line" on Israel.



At the time, Shojaej wrote on Instagram: "My country has always been and will be my priority. I have always tried to work wholeheartedly to be a suitable representative for the country."

Iran, which does not recognize Israel, prohibits athletes or competitors in other fields from competing against Israelis.



