Iran Football Federation Vice President Mehdi Taj said on Wednesday that Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi bade farewell to the national team of their own volition. Some media reported Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi have been forced to quit the national team after wearing green bands in support of the country’s opposition movement during the South Korea – Iran match which was held in Seoul last week. “Both of them (Kia and Karimi) are our big assets and played with all their heart during the past years. We are satisfied with their performances in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. They made the decision to retire from the national team to pave way for young players,” Taj said.
