TEHRAN - Alireza Faghani has been chosen to take charge of Thursday’s Tehran derby between Esteghlal and Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium.

The Referee Committee of Iran Football Federation announced on Monday that Faghani will officiate the match.

Mohammadreza Mansouri and Rahim Shahin will assist him in the derby.

Esteghlal and Persepolis have played against each other 87 times, with Esteghlal winning 26 games, Persepolis taking 22 victories, and 39 matches ending in a draw.

Their last match was watched by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former Dutch international Marco Van Basten at the Azadi Stadium.

Persepolis are second in Iran Professional League (IPL) table while Esteghlal sit 11th.

Faghani officiated 2018 World Cup third-place play-off between Belgium and England.