TEHRAN - Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has expressed his deep sadness and shock after receiving the news of the untimely demise of Iran women's national team player Melika Mohammadi.

Mohammadi, 23, died in a tragic road accident in Bam, Kerman province Saturday night.

Extending his condolences and sympathies, the AFC President said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms Melika Mohammadi. Her contributions as a key player of the Islamic Republic of Iran's women's national team will be long remembered. We join the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran in mourning this great loss."

Shaikh Salman also expressed his speedy recovery wishes to those injured in the accident.

Mohammadi represented Iran in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, while playing a significant role for her club side Bam Khatoon FC in the recent AFC Women's Club Championship in Uzbekistan.

The thoughts and prayers of the AFC and the rest of the Asian football community are with the family and friends of Melika Mohammadi, the FFIRI, and the Iran football family during this difficult time.