Iran Pro League has had a rough ride in its first five years suffering from inexperience, lack of professionalism, mismanagement and poor facilities. In a professional league all clubs must have their own stadiums and the stadiums must meet certain standards in terms of pitch condition, health and safety and sufficient lighting. Last year's IPL champions Foolad Khuzestan for instance have had to play their Asian Champion's League matches in Tehran's Dastgerdi Stadium rather than at home in Ahvaz, this is just one example of difficulties faced by IPL clubs despite heavy investment in recent seasons.

IPL has had some success in the last five years in terms of increased competition, there has been a flood of foreign coaches into Iranian clubs in an effort to improve standard of play, there has been limited success on this front with coaches such as Begovich in Foolad and Denizli in Paas raising standards, the recent arrival of Arie Haan at Persepolis is another welcome addition to Iranian football but many foreign coaches have failed to make an impact in Iran.

A noticeable difference in the Pro league compared with the late Azadegan league is the challenge faced from non-Tehrani teams; there are no pushovers in IPL, while Azadegan title was normally won by either Esteghlal or Persepolis of Tehran two of the five IPL seasons have been won by non-Tehrani teams of Sepahan Isfehan and Foolad Khuzestan, Paas of Tehran won the title two seasons ago. This is a breakthrough for Iranian football and has increased competition with the likes of Persepolis and Esteghlal no longer taking the league title for granted. Non-Tehrani teams had a disappointing season in IPL this year though with AbuMoslem of Khorasan doing best finishing in fifth place behind four Tehrani teams of Esteghlal, Paas, Saipa and Saba battery.

With Esteghlal and Persepolis having less of a say in Iran pro League compared with the late Azadegan Iran has been represented in the Asian Champions League (ACL) by other clubs. In the last three seasons Sepahan and Zobahan (both from Isfehan), Fajr-e Sepasi Shiraz, Foolad Khuzestan, Paas and Saba Battery (both from Tehran) have represented Iran in ACL. Sadly Iran's representatives have had no success in ACL due to their inexperience, small squads and poor coaching. Iranian Premier League is gradually moving in the right direction with some quality coaches arriving in the country but a lot more is needed. Esteghlal will once again lead Iran's efforts in Asia next season; they are the best equipped club in IPL at the moment to represent Iran in ACL, we wish Esteghlal all the best and will support them all the way in ACL.