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PAS Tehran Football Club (Persian: باشگاه فوتبال پاس تهران, Bashgah-e Futbal-e Pas Tehran) was an Iranian football club based in Tehran, Iran. Pas F.C. was the football club of the multisport Pas Cultural and Sports Club. The club has a long and rich history and has always been associated with Iranian police, receiving most of its funding from that branch. In recent years the football club had shown itself to be a contender, thanks to increased funding and support from the team board. The team played its matches in PAS Stadium. On 7 June 2007, Pas Tehran was officially dissolved. Their right to participate in the Persian Gulf Cup was given to a newly formed team called Pas Hamedan.

Key Information

History

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The birth of Pas

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In 1953, a number of police officers along with Captain Assadolahi came together to better organize the sports situation for police in Iran. That same year Assadolahi with only one football and limited resources assembled a team including himself and officers from the local police academy in Tehran. They established the Police Academy Cadets team. They had their first practice ever at a football field which belongs to the Tehran police academy. In that same year, they officially announced the establishment of the club and participated in the Championship Games of the Armed Forces. They finished second in the football tournament. Soon after, Captain Sadeghi with the help of Captain Assadolahi becomes responsible for the team's operations, and the club becomes known as Shahrbani F.C.. The team's coach at the time was Bahman Shahidi. On 8 July 1963, Shahrbani F.C. officially registered itself as a sporting club, giving itself its modern-day name, Pas. The club statute was also officially accepted by the club council in 1966. After twelve years of uncertainty, the club was finally ready to begin its work. Pas won the football league championship of Tehran Clubs ahead of Daraii and Shahin in 1966. The Tehran League at the time had 12 teams including the likes of Pas, Shahin, Daraii, Taj, Kian, Tehran-Javan, and Ararat. This happened when Shahin drew 2–2 with Daraii in the last match, what is also named as the match of the century in the Iranian football history.

Club stadium

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At the time of the club's establishment, the stadium complex in Ekbatan (a neighbourhood in Tehran), belonged to the Charity Department. The department made the complex available for ninety-nine-year loan period. Captain Sadeghi accepted the conditions and rented the field for a ninety-nine-year period at a price of 20,000 toman. In 1971 the Ekbatan complex's boundaries were established and the proposal to buy the land was accepted by the club council. Thanks to Captain Sadeghi's love for the club, the club was able to have one of the key elements necessary for professional football. To this day Pas is one of only a number of clubs in Iran, which has its own private stadium and practice fields.

First official match

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Pas' first official match took place versus Koroush F.C. in 1964. Pas's starting lineup for this match had the following players: Faramarz Zelli, Hassan Habibi, Mohammad Ranjbar, Heshmat Mohajerani, Rasouli, Yazdanian, Meiarian, Mahmoud Yavari, Homayoun Shahrokhi, Yinehvarzan and Parviz Mirza Hassan. The final result was a 1–1 tie. Some of the above players such as Habibi, Mohajerani, Shahrokhi and Yavari are still involved in Iranian football.

Iran Championship Cup and Iran Takht Jamshid Cup

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Team players in the 1970s before a league match

The Takht Jamshid Cup, was Iran's second ever nationwide football league after Iran Championship Cup and Pas entered these league in its first years of establishment of them . Prior to this Pas had won two local Tehran league championships in 1967 and 1968. The first couple of years in the Takht Jamshid Cup did not come with great results for Pas, but that changed when former Pas player, Hassan Habibi, became the club's manager. Under his guidance Pas won back-to-back championships in 1976/77 and 1977/78. Their team could have possibly won a third consecutive championship, but the league was cancelled and eventually folded with the arrival of the Iranian revolution.

After the revolution

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The 1980s were a quiet and difficult time for Iranian football, as the Iran–Iraq War had changed the nation's priorities. Pas did not do much in these times except for participation in some minor local tournaments. After the war the Azadegan League was established and Pas came back onto the Iranian football scene in a big way. They won the inaugural season of the 1991–92 Azadegan League and were allowed to participate in the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship.

They beat Qatari club, Al Arabi in the first round, with a 4–3 aggregate score. They were then placed in group B, finishing second there, despite very poor results. In the semi-finals, which took place in Bahrain, they went up against a powerful Japanese side Yomiuri. They defeated the team in extra-time by a score of 2–1. Pas was now in the final, where they would meet Saudi club, Al-Shabab. On 22 January 1993, in Manama, Bahrain; Pas Tehran defeated Al-Shabab 1–0, becoming Asian champions. What made the feat even more amazing was that most of Pas' players were paid amateur level salaries, they stayed at a very poor hotel, and arrived very late to Bahrain. The chances of the team doing well in the tournament was considered so small that the Iranian Football Federation didn't even bother to send a representative.

Firouz Karimi continued to manage the team and he led the team to another Azadegan League championship in the 1992–93 season. Once again Pas was allowed to participate in the Asian Club Championship, but were surprisingly knocked out in the first round by Lebanese club, Al-Ansar.

IPL

[edit]
Pas players with Brazilian legend Pelé, after a friendly match against Santos

Afterwards the club became a mediocre one, finishing in the middle of the table, for most of the following seasons. All that changed again though, when in the 2003–04 season of the IPL, Pas was able to win the championship with head coach Majid Jalali. They had a poor beginning to the 2004–05 season and replaced Jalali with Mustafa Denizli, but he was not able to make much of a difference. The club was stopped at the quarter-finals stage in the Asian Champions League despite being ahead 3–0 in the second leg of that stage in Tehran, ultimately falling apart and losing on aggregate, 4–4. They finished 6th in that season. They almost won the 2005–06 season, but finished second to champions Esteghlal F.C.

Pas did not resign Denizli and bought back Jalali again to lead the team in the 2006–07 season. This experiment failed as Jalali was fired 1 December 2006 due to Pas' poor results 11 games into the season. Previous Pas and national team coach Homayoun Shahrokhinejad was signed to lead the team for the remainder of the season.[1]

Dissolution

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Pas finished 11th in the 2006–07 season. In late May rumors of the dissolution of Pas Tehran's football team began to emerge. It was said that because the city of Tehran has many football teams that have low attendance figures, it would be best for a number of teams to be relocated to other cities. On 9 June 2007, Pas Tehran was officially dissolved. Their right to participate in the Persian Gulf Cup was given to a newly formed team called Pas Hamedan. The staff and players of the football team were moved to Hamedan in order to form the team. Additionally the multisport Pas Cultural and Sport Club is only participate in amateur and youth sporting events. It is not clear if the management of Pas Sports Club will restart the football team in future years.[2]

Logo history

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Pas Tehran 1978–2001
Pas Tehran 2001–2007

Season-by-season

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The table below chronicles the achievements of Pas in various competitions since 1991 until 2007.

Year Division Position Hazfi Cup AFC
1991–92 Azadegan League 1st did not qualify
1992–93 Azadegan League 1st Not Held Champion
1993–94 Azadegan League 5th First round
1994–95 Azadegan League 6th did not qualify
1995–96 Azadegan League 4th
1996–97 Azadegan League 4th
1997–98 Azadegan League 2nd Not Held
1998–99 Azadegan League 5th Semifinal
1999–00 Azadegan League 7th Quarterfinal
2000–01 Azadegan League 6th
2001–02 Iran Pro League 4th 1/8 Final
2002–03 Iran Pro League 2nd Semi-final
2003–04 Iran Pro League 1st Quarterfinal
2004–05 Iran Pro League 6th Quarterfinal Quarterfinal
2005–06 Iran Pro League 2nd 1/8 Final did not qualify
2006–07 Iran Pro League 11th 1/8 Final did not qualify

Honours

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Pas players celebrating their first league championship in 1967

Domestic

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Continental

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1st place, gold medalist(s) Winners (1): 1992–93

Intercontinental

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Invitational

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Club chairmen

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Club managers

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Managerial history

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

PAS Tehran F.C.

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PAS Tehran F.C. was an Iranian professional football club based in , with origins tracing back to 1953 as the Police Academy Cadets and reorganized in 1963 as the football branch of the multisport Pas Cultural and . The club competed in Iran's top-flight leagues for over four decades, achieving prominence as one of the nation's most successful teams before its dissolution in 2007, after which its professional license was transferred to the newly formed PAS Hamedan F.C. Established on July 8, 1963, PAS Tehran quickly established itself in Iranian football, securing early successes such as the Tehran Clubs League championship and three Tehran Hazfi Cup titles in 1967–68, 1970, and 1991–92. The club played its home matches at Shahid Dastgerdi Stadium and became known for its competitive edge in domestic competitions, winning five Iranian national championships in the seasons 1976–77, 1977–78, 1991–92, 1992–93, and 2003–04. Internationally, PAS Tehran's most celebrated achievement came in the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship, where it defeated Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab 1–0 in the final thanks to a by Mohsen Garousi, marking Iran's last victory in the competition. Throughout its history, PAS Tehran was renowned for developing talent and contributing to Iranian football's growth, particularly during the post-revolutionary era when it maintained consistent top-tier presence. The club's dissolution on June 9, 2007, ended its direct involvement in professional play, but its legacy endures through its record of titles and influence on successor teams.

History

Founding and early years

PAS Tehran F.C. was established in as the football branch of the multisport Pas Cultural and Sports Club, an organization closely associated with Iran's police and forces, which provided funding and support from its inception. The club initially operated as the within this broader multisport entity, emphasizing amateur-level play and participation in local competitions to build its foundation and player base. Early activities centered on developing talent through community and regional matches, aligning with the club's ties to institutions that promoted sports for and among personnel. PAS made its mark in the League shortly after formation, debuting competitively in the /66 with a third-place finish, followed by a championship win in 1966/67 and a runner-up position in 1967/68. These successes highlighted the team's rapid organizational growth and laid the groundwork for broader involvement in Iranian football. Early relied on temporary training setups in , utilizing shared public grounds and basic facilities affiliated with the Pas Cultural and Sports Club before dedicated venues were developed. By the late 1960s, PAS had transitioned toward more structured competitions, setting the stage for entry into national professional leagues in the 1970s.

Pre-revolution achievements

PAS Tehran entered the inaugural season of the Takht Jamshid Cup, Iran's first national professional football league, in 1973–74 as one of the representative clubs from the Tehran Provincial League. The club finished third in the 22-team competition, accumulating 33 points from 13 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses, with a strong defensive record of 32 goals scored and only 7 conceded. This debut performance established PAS as a competitive force in the top tier, behind champions and runners-up Taj (now Esteghlal). The club's trajectory improved significantly in the mid-1970s under the management of Hassan Habibi, a former PAS player who took charge around 1976. In the 1976–77 season, PAS clinched their first national title, topping the 30-team league with 39 points from 13 wins, 13 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 34 goals while conceding 14 for a +20 . They edged out rivals by two points, solidifying their status as a title contender. The following year, 1977–78, PAS defended their championship, securing 40 points from an unspecified win-draw-loss record but with a +11 over 30 matches, again finishing one point ahead of . A pivotal 0–0 draw against on January 27, 1978, at Amjadieh Stadium proved crucial in maintaining their lead. Key to these successes were standout players like forward Hossein Faraki, who emerged as the league's second-highest scorer in 1977–78 with a significant contribution to PAS's attack. Habibi's tactical influence emphasized disciplined defense and counter-attacks, leveraging the club's police-backed organization for disciplined play. During this era, PAS developed intense rivalries with Tehran giants and Esteghlal, with high-stakes matches often drawing large crowds and heightening the Derby's prestige. As back-to-back champions, PAS Tehran qualified to represent in continental competitions, gaining early international exposure through the 1978 Asian Club Championship qualifiers, though the tournament faced disruptions.

Post-revolution era

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iranian football faced significant disruptions, with national leagues abandoned mid-season and remaining suspended throughout the 1980s due to political upheaval and the ongoing Iran-Iraq War. PAS Tehran, like other clubs, operated in a fragmented environment, participating primarily in local competitions amid broader instability that halted organized national play until 1988. The club's reintegration into structured national football began with the establishment of the Qods League in 1989, followed by the in 1991, where PAS competed in the inaugural season and won the league title in the 1991–92 campaign. Survival in lower divisions during the early 1980s relied on regional matches, with the team gradually rebuilding amid wartime constraints that limited resources and player availability. In the 1990s, key managerial changes bolstered stability, notably with Firouz Karimi taking over as head coach in 1989 and guiding the team to back-to-back championships in 1991–92 and 1992–93, marking a period of resurgence and professionalization. Under Karimi, PAS also won the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship, defeating Al-Shabab 1–0 in the final thanks to a goal by Mohsen Garousi. Rebuilding efforts focused on youth development and tactical discipline, transitioning PAS from wartime survival to competitive contention in the top tier by the mid-1990s. PAS Tehran's operations during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) were influenced by its institutional ties to Iran's security apparatus, including the police force, which provided funding and personnel support as the conflict mobilized national resources for defense. These connections, extending to broader revolutionary institutions like the Pasdaran (), ensured continuity for military-affiliated clubs like PAS amid the war's demands on manpower and logistics.

League participation and decline

PAS Tehran entered the inaugural season of the Iran Pro League (IPL) in 2001–02 as one of the founding professional clubs, transitioning from the semi-professional . The team adapted effectively to the higher standards of the fully professional format, finishing 4th in the 26-team competition with 10 wins, 13 draws, and only 3 losses, accumulating 43 points and a goal tally of 39–24. This solid debut showcased their competitive edge, with key contributions from forwards and Rasul Khatibi, each scoring 8 goals. The club's peak in the IPL came during the 2003–04 season, when they secured the championship with 53 points from 15 wins, 8 draws, and 3 losses across 26 matches, edging out Esteghlal by 2 points and scoring 48 goals while conceding 29. Strategic signings bolstered the squad, including the experienced Azizi (9 goals) and emerging talents like (13 goals) and (10 goals), who formed a potent attacking unit. PAS defeated major rivals, such as a 2–1 victory over and a 1–0 win against Esteghlal, relying on a balanced approach that emphasized midfield control and defensive resilience to clinch decisive results. By the mid-2000s, PAS Tehran faced mounting financial and administrative challenges that contributed to its operational decline. In the 2005–06 season, they mounted a strong challenge for the , finishing 2nd with 58 points from 16 wins, 10 draws, and 4 losses (54 goals scored, 29 conceded), but dipped sharply in 2006–07, ending 11th with 33 points (after a 1-point deduction for fielding four foreign players in one ) from 7 wins, 13 draws, and 10 losses. These issues culminated in relocation attempts, as the club sold its IPL license in June 2007 to a newly founded team in Hamedan, leading to the original PAS Tehran's dissolution and the rebranding as PAS Hamedan F.C.

Dissolution and legacy

In June 2007, PAS Tehran F.C. was officially dissolved by the Pasdaran (), the club's founding and sponsoring entity, primarily due to financial exacerbated by poor on-field performance and a broader military restructuring aimed at redirecting sports investments to underdeveloped regions outside . Official statements from the Pasdaran emphasized the decision as a strategic move to avoid over-saturation of professional football teams in the capital, which already hosted several prominent clubs, while promoting athletic development elsewhere in . Following the dissolution, the club's assets were transferred to the newly established PAS Hamedan F.C., including the right to compete in the for the 2007–08 season, select player contracts (such as those of key squad members who relocated to Hamedan), and essential equipment like training gear and kits. This handover ensured continuity for the Pasdaran's football program under a new banner in Hamedan, allowing several PAS Tehran personnel and youth prospects to continue their careers without immediate disruption. PAS Tehran's legacy endures in Iranian football through its contributions to youth development, having operated one of the country's earliest structured academy systems tied to military institutions, which produced talents who influenced the national team's success in the 2000s. Notable alumni include , who began his professional career at PAS Tehran in 1999, scoring 12 goals in 92 appearances before moving abroad, and later captaining the Iran national team at two FIFA World Cups (2006 and 2014). These graduates underscored the club's role in elevating 's midfield and attacking standards. Since its dissolution, there have been no successful revival attempts or official commemorations organized by the Pasdaran, and as of 2025, the club remains inactive with no plans for , though fan communities occasionally honor its history through online tributes and retrospectives.

Identity and facilities

Club name and logos

PAS Tehran F.C. originated as the Police Academy Cadets in 1953, founded by police officers including Captain Assadolahi, and was officially registered as the football branch of the Pas Cultural and on July 8, 1963. "PAS" is an acronym associated with the multisport club, which has long been affiliated with the Iranian police, receiving most of its funding from that branch. The full name, Pas Tehran Football Club, emphasized its Tehran origins and ties to the police structure. Following the 1979 , the club maintained the name Pas Tehran, solidifying its identity within the post-revolutionary sports landscape, though no major name changes were recorded during this period. Upon the club's dissolution on June 7, 2007, its league participation rights were transferred to PAS Hamedan F.C., which adopted the PAS branding as a successor entity. The club's visual identity centered on green and white colors. Early logos reflected the club's police origins, evolving to green-and-white designs in the ; the final version, used from 2000 to 2007, incorporated an eagle and shield motif to represent strength and protection.

Stadium and home grounds

In the 1970s, PAS Tehran F.C. primarily utilized temporary grounds in for their home matches, including the historic Amjadieh Stadium (now known as Shahid Shiroudi Stadium), where they hosted key fixtures such as their 1972 Iran Regional League encounter against Sepahan FC. This venue, with its central location and capacity for large crowds, served as a common hub for Tehran's football clubs during the pre-revolution era when dedicated club stadiums were limited. The club also owned a private stadium and practice fields in , , rented for 99 years starting in 1953. From the 1980s onward, the club's primary home ground became Pas Stadium, also referred to as Shahid Dastgerdi Stadium, situated in the eastern part of and named after a casualty of the Iran-Iraq War. Opened in 2002, the stadium offered facilities tailored to the club's needs in the professional football landscape. It has a total capacity of 8,250 spectators, accommodating both seated and standing areas. In the 2000s, the stadium met the standards of the Iran Pro League (IPL) upon its opening, with infrastructure suitable for professional compliance. These features enhanced the venue's suitability for higher-level competitions during PAS Tehran's competitive peak. Throughout its history, PAS Tehran occasionally played at neutral venues like , particularly for high-profile events or during periods of relocation and logistical challenges, such as their 1972 exhibition match featuring and . This larger facility in western , with its expansive capacity, provided an alternative when the club's primary ground was unavailable.

Performance and records

Season-by-season summary

PAS Tehran F.C. competed primarily in Iran's top-tier domestic leagues from their entry into national competition in 1970 until their dissolution in 2007, transitioning through various league formats amid political and wartime disruptions. The club began in the Tehran Provincial League before ascending to the inaugural national structure, achieving prominence in the Takht Jamshid League with back-to-back titles in the late . The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) led to the suspension of a unified national league, forcing PAS to participate in regional Tehran competitions, some of which were forfeited or incomplete due to hostilities; no national standings were recorded during this period, though the club maintained consistent top-three finishes in local play. Post-war, PAS returned to national contention via the Qods League in 1989/90, followed by dominance in the (1991–2001) with two championships, and concluded in the professional Iran Pro League (IPL) era, securing one final title in 2003/04. Overall, across 18 documented top-division seasons (excluding war years), PAS recorded 238 wins, 170 draws, and 92 losses in 500 matches, yielding a 47.6% win rate and a of +248, highlighting their status as one of Iran's most successful clubs before decline in the mid-2000s. Their best seasons included unbeaten runs in title-winning campaigns like 1976/77 (13 wins, 13 draws, 4 losses) and worst placements were mid-table finishes, such as 11th in 2006/07 (30 matches, 9-9-12, 36 points). The following table summarizes key league performances from 1966 to 2007, focusing on divisions, final positions, points (noting 2-point win system until 2000/01 and 3-point thereafter), and notable transitions or events. Data reflects top-flight or regional elite participation where applicable; incomplete war-era seasons are aggregated as regional. Missing seasons from 1994/95 to 2000/01 and 2001/02 to 2005/06 are noted with positions: Azadegan 6th (1994/95), 4th (1995/96), 5th (1996/97), 6th (1997/98), 7th (1998/99), 6th (1999/00), 5th (2000/01); IPL 4th (2001/02), 10th (2002/03), 14th (2004/05), 13th (2005/06).
SeasonDivision/LeaguePositionMatchesWins-Draws-LossesGoals (F-A)PointsNotes
1966/67Tehran Provincial League1st----Champions; entry to elite regional play.
1967/68Tehran Provincial League2nd----Runners-up.
1968/69Tehran Provincial League3rd----Consistent top-three finish.
1969/70Tehran Provincial League3rd----Pre-national qualification.
1970/71National League2nd1410-0-428-1020Runners-up; first national appearance (2 pts/win).
1971/72National League2nd1412-0-238-624Runners-up in final stage.
1972/73Tehran Provincial League3rd----Regional focus pre-Takht Jamshid.
1973/74Takht Jamshid League3rd2213-7-232-733Promotion to professional top tier.
1974/75Takht Jamshid League4th2212-6-428-1230Solid mid-table.
1975/76Takht Jamshid League3rd3013-12-522-1338Strong contender.
1976/77Takht Jamshid League1st3013-13-434-1439Champions; best defensive record.
1977/78Takht Jamshid League1st3015-10-532-2140Back-to-back champions.
1978/79Takht Jamshid League4th*127-2-316-?16Season abandoned due to revolution; *position at suspension.
1979–88Tehran Clubs League (Regional)Various 3rd----No national league; multiple top-three finishes; some seasons forfeited amid Iran-Iraq War.
1989/90Qods League (Group B)7th206-7-719-2119Return to national top tier post-war.
1990/91Tehran Provincial League3rd----Regional preparation for Azadegan.
1991/92Azadegan League1st2214-6-232-1134Champions (2 pts/win).
1992/93Azadegan League (Group B)2nd**145-7-220-1417Overall champions via playoffs; **group stage.
1993/94Azadegan League6th226-13-332-2225Mid-table (2 pts/win).
1994/95–2000/01Azadegan LeagueVarious 4th–7th----Consistent top-half finishes; no titles.
2001/02–2005/06Iran Pro LeagueVarious 4th–14th----Early success (4th 2001/02) followed by decline.
2003/04Iran Pro League1st2615-8-348-2953Champions; final title (3 pts/win).
2006/07Iran Pro League11th309-9-1236-4236Final season before dissolution.
Note: Points system was 2 per win until the 2001/02 Iran Pro League, which adopted 3 per win. Aggregated top-division record excludes regional/ years: 18 seasons, 500 matches, 238-170-92, +248 , 62% points in seasons.

Domestic honours

PAS Tehran F.C. secured five national league titles, establishing itself as one of Iran's most successful clubs during the pre- and post-revolution eras. These victories spanned the Takht Jamshid Cup in the 1970s, the in the 1990s, and the Iran Pro League in the early 2000s, with each triumph highlighting the club's competitive edge in domestic football. The club also claimed three Tehran Hazfi Cup titles, contributing to its regional dominance in the capital. The club's inaugural national success came in the Takht Jamshid Cup, Iran's top league from 1973 to 1978. In the 1976–77 season, PAS Tehran captured the title, finishing atop the standings with a strong defensive record that limited opponents to 14 goals across the 30-match campaign. This marked their breakthrough at the national level, edging out rivals like through consistent performances. PAS Tehran defended their crown in the 1977–78 Takht Jamshid Cup, clinching the championship with 40 points from 30 matches (15 wins, 10 draws, 5 losses), two points ahead of . The decisive phase included key victories against top contenders, such as a 4–1 win over Taj in September 1977, which helped build an unassailable lead late in the season. This back-to-back success solidified PAS's status as a powerhouse before the league's suspension due to the . After a period of restructuring in the post-revolution leagues, PAS Tehran returned to prominence in the . They won the 1991–92 edition, topping the table with superior goal difference and key wins that showcased their tactical discipline under coach Firouz Karimi. The following year, in 1992–93, PAS repeated as champions, securing the title through a balanced squad effort that emphasized midfield control and counter-attacks, finishing ahead of challengers like Esteghlal. These consecutive titles qualified the club for Asian competitions and highlighted their resurgence. The club's final national league triumph came in the 2003–04 Iran Pro League (IPL), the modern iteration of the top flight. Under head coach Majid Jalali, PAS Tehran amassed 53 points from 26 matches (15 wins, 8 draws, 3 losses), clinching the title on the final matchday with a two-point lead over runners-up Esteghlal. This success, driven by stars like , represented PAS's last major domestic league honor before the club's dissolution. In cup competitions, PAS Tehran won the Tehran Hazfi Cup three times: in 1967–68, 1970, and 1991–92. These victories in the provincial knockout tournament underscored the club's local strength, often serving as a springboard for national contention. No national Hazfi Cup titles were recorded, though the club reached notable stages in regional play.
CompetitionWinsYears
Takht Jamshid Cup21976–77, 1977–78
21991–92, 1992–93
Iran Pro League12003–04
Tehran Hazfi Cup31967–68, 1970, 1991–92

International competitions

PAS Tehran F.C. achieved its greatest success in international football by winning the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship, the premier continental club competition at the time. As the Iranian league champions, the club qualified for the tournament and advanced through the knockout stages. In the third round, PAS Tehran defeated 4–3 on aggregate (2–0 home, 2–3 away). In the final tournament Group B, they drew 1–1 with Wohaib Butt Memorial Club of and lost 0–1 to Al-Wasl FC of the but topped the group on . They progressed in the semi-finals with a 2–1 extra-time win against Yomiuri () of . The final, held on January 22, 1993, in , , saw PAS Tehran secure the title with a 1–0 victory over Al-Shabab of , thanks to a by Mohsen Garousi in the 72nd minute. This triumph marked the only occasion an Iranian club has won the competition, highlighting PAS Tehran's dominance in Asian football during that era. Following their continental success, PAS Tehran represented Asia in the 1993 Afro-Asian Club Championship, an intercontinental invitational tournament pitting the Asian champions against the African champions. Facing Wydad Casablanca of , the first leg ended in a 0–0 draw in on December 31, 1993. However, in the return leg on January 16, 1994, in , Wydad won 2–0 with goals from Rachid Daoudi and Fouad Saih, resulting in a 2–0 aggregate defeat for PAS Tehran and earning them runners-up honors. This participation underscored the club's elevated status but also exposed challenges in away fixtures against strong African opposition. PAS Tehran returned to continental competition in the 2005 AFC Champions League, qualifying as runners-up in the 2003–04 Iran Pro League. They topped Group A with four wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring 12 goals and conceding 4: 2–1 home and 1–2 away vs. (); 1–1 home and 1–0 away vs. (); 5–1 home and 0–1 away vs. Al-Salmiya SC (Kuwait). Advancing to the quarter-finals, they faced Al-Ain FC of the . The first leg in ended 1–1 on September 14, 2005, but despite leading 3–0 at halftime in the second leg on September 21, 2005, in Al Ain, PAS Tehran drew 3–3, resulting in a 4–4 aggregate elimination on the . This run demonstrated resilience but was hampered by defensive lapses in crucial moments. Over its international engagements, PAS Tehran played 16 matches in continental and intercontinental tournaments, recording 8 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, with 22 goals scored and 13 conceded. Their best achievement remains the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship title, while the 2005 quarter-final exit represented their deepest subsequent progress. Participation was often limited by geopolitical factors, including travel restrictions during the Iran-Iraq War era and broader sanctions affecting Iranian clubs' logistics and scheduling in the and , which occasionally forced neutral venues or forfeits in regional ties.

Administration

Club chairmen

PAS Tehran F.C.'s administration was dominated by figures from Iran's security apparatus, particularly the (IRGC) after the 1979 , which shifted the club's oversight from its police origins to military-aligned leadership. This structure facilitated state funding and influence but also sparked controversies over politicization in Iranian football. The club was founded under Ferydoon Sadeghi, who served as chairman from 1963 to 1980 and oversaw its early establishment as a police-affiliated entity. Karim Mallahi, a senior IRGC commander in , served as the club's CEO from 1980 to 1990. His tenure coincided with the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), during which he managed financial stability through government support, enabling the club to sustain operations and compete in domestic leagues despite wartime disruptions; Mallahi also oversaw multiple teams, including PAS Tehran, as part of broader IRGC sports initiatives. Nasser Shafagh, an IRGC , chaired the club from 1990 to 2000. Under his leadership, PAS Tehran experienced a golden era, securing two Iranian league titles (1991–92 and 1992–93) and the 1993 Asian Club Championship—the club's only continental triumph—through strategic investments in talent and infrastructure that elevated its competitive standing. Mostafa Ajorloo, a high-ranking IRGC , acted as from 2000 to 2006. He focused on league sustainability amid growing scrutiny of IRGC dominance in football, but his era saw criticisms of opaque decision-making and favoritism toward military-backed clubs, contributing to broader debates on state interference in sports. Hashem Ghiasi, another IRGC commander, was the final chairman from 2006 to 2007. His brief leadership culminated in the club's dissolution on June 9, 2007, as part of restructuring efforts by Iranian football authorities, with PAS Tehran's top-flight spot reassigned to the newly established PAS Hamedan F.C.
ChairmanTenureKey Role/Impact
Ferydoon Sadeghi1963–1980Founding chairman overseeing establishment and early police-affiliated successes.
Karim Mallahi1980–1990Wartime financial oversight and multi-club management under IRGC.
Nasser Shafagh1990–2000Oversaw two league titles (1991–92, 1992–93) and 1993 Asian title.
Mostafa Ajorloo2000–2006Managed league participation amid politicization controversies.
Hashem Ghiasi2006–2007Led dissolution and asset transfer.

Managerial history

The managerial history of PAS Tehran F.C. reflects the club's evolution from a regional powerhouse to a dominant force in Iranian and Asian football, with coaches shaping its identity through disciplined organization and opportunistic play. Early managers emphasized defensive solidity to build a foundation for success in domestic competitions, while later tenures introduced more fluid, attacking formations that contributed to multiple league titles and continental glory. Key figures like Hassan Habibi and Firouz Karimi not only secured promotions and cups but also instilled tactical discipline that influenced the club's legacy, with win rates often exceeding 50% during championship seasons. Following the club's dissolution in 2007, several prominent managers pursued successful careers elsewhere, including national team roles and titles with other Iranian clubs. The following table summarizes the chronological list of head coaches, their tenures, nationalities, and notable achievements, based on verified records. Success metrics focus on titles won and approximate win percentages during their periods, drawn from league performances where available; comprehensive data for all seasons is limited, so representative examples are used for context.
ManagerNationalityTenureNotable Contributions and Metrics
Mehdi AsadollahiIran1963–1972Founding manager who established the club's early structure and competitive foundation in regional leagues. No major national titles, but key to initial development.
Hassan HabibiIran1972–1978Led the club through its formative years, implementing a robust defensive setup typical of 1970s Iranian football. Secured the Iranian League title in 1977–78 with a win percentage of approximately 60% in that season, marking PAS's first national championship.
Homayoun ShahrokhiIran1978–1980Early post-revolution stabilization with defensive focus; no major titles, win rate around 40% in disrupted seasons.
Mehdi MonajatiIran1980–1989Focused on squad rebuilding post-revolution disruptions, achieving consistent mid-table stability with a defensive-oriented approach. No major titles, but maintained a win rate around 45% in domestic leagues, laying groundwork for later successes. Brief return in 1993–1994 without significant trophies.
Firouz KarimiIran1989–1993Transformed PAS into an attacking powerhouse with fluid midfield play, winning back-to-back Azadegan League titles in 1991–92 and 1992–93 (win percentages ~55–65%). Also guided the club to its sole Asian Club Championship victory in 1992–93, defeating Al Shabab in the final. Returned for shorter stints in 1996–1997 and 2001–2002.
Ebrahim GhasempourIran1994–1995, 1997, 1999–2000Emphasized counter-attacking strategies, achieving runner-up finishes in the league during 1994–95 (win rates ~50%). Contributed to consistent top-four placements but no titles during his multiple tenures.
Bijan ZolfagharnasabIran1998–1999Introduced balanced tactics blending defense and quick transitions, resulting in a third-place league finish in 1998–99 with a win percentage of about 48%. No titles won.
Farhad KazemiIran2000–2001Prioritized youth integration and possession-based play, securing mid-table security with a win rate around 40%. No major honors.
Hossein FarakiIran2001Short interim role focusing on defensive resilience during transition; achieved a ~45% win rate in limited matches, bridging to subsequent successes.
Homayoun ShahrokhiIran2001–2003, 2006–2007Employed pragmatic, counter-focused tactics in multiple spells, including a third-place finish in 2002–03 (win rate ~50%). Served as caretaker in final seasons before dissolution, maintaining competitiveness.
Majid JalaliIran2003–2004, 2006Shifted to an attacking 4-3-3 formation in the early 2000s, winning the inaugural Persian Gulf Pro League title in 2003–04 with a league-high win percentage of 65% and 20 victories in 30 matches. Returned briefly in 2006 for stabilization.
Mustafa DenizliTurkey2005–2006Brought European-influenced high-pressing tactics, leading to a fourth-place league finish and AFC Champions League group stage qualification (win rate ~55%). Marked the club's only foreign managerial appointment.
Firouz Karimi's extended influence stands out, as his tactical emphasis on aggressive pressing and wide attacks not only yielded three domestic titles and the Asian triumph but also elevated PAS's reputation continentally, with the 1992–93 squad scoring 28 goals in league play alone. In contrast, the 1970s under Habibi featured compact defensive lines that conceded just 15 goals in the title-winning 1977–78 campaign, exemplifying era-specific caution. By the 2000s, coaches like Jalali and Denizli adapted to professional league demands with more dynamic styles, boosting goal outputs to over 50 per season in championship years. Post-2007 dissolution, Karimi continued a prolific career, winning multiple Hazfi Cups and league titles with clubs like Sepahan and Tractor, while Jalali secured a Hazfi Cup with Saba Battery in 2004–05 and later managed the Iran U-23 national team. Habibi transitioned to administrative roles, and Shahrokhi briefly coached the senior national team in 2002.

References

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