TEHRAN – Former Iran national football team striker Akbar Eftekhari passed away on Thursday after a long battle with disease.

Eftekhari died at the age of 73 in Tehran’s Ebne Sina Hospital.

Eftekhari started his professional playing career at Iranian football club Daraei in 1962 and played at the Tehran-based club for six years before joining Taj (known as Esteghlal).

Eftekhari was called up to Team Melli and was a member of the team who won the 1968 AFC Asian Cup. He was also selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the competition which was held in Tehran.

Eftekhari joined Esteghlal arch rivals Persepolis and his career came to an end in the Iranian giant.  

He will be laid to rest in Tehran's Behesht Zahra Cemetery on Saturday.

Tehran Times staff wish to express deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and Iran’s football.