TEHRAN - FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent his condolences to the Iran Football Federation and to the family, friends and loved ones of Karim Bavi.

Former Iran national football team forward Karim Bavi died on Dec. 8 in Karaj, west of Tehran at the age of 58.

Bavi fought a 10-year battle with disease until the very end.

Bavi started his playing career with Shahin in 1984 and joined Persepolis three years later.

Bavi made his international debut for Iran on May 28, 1986 against China. He scored 10 goals in 23 official games for Team Melli.

“On behalf of FIFA and in my own name, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Iran Football Federation and Karim Bavi’s family. Words seem insufficient to express the sadness you can feel when you lose a family member,” Infantino said.