Ali Karimi Reinstated By Iranian Club Steel Azin After Ramadan Controversy

Ali Karimi has been reinstated by Iranian club Steel Azin, after he was controversially dismissed for failing to fast during Ramadan.

An official statement on the Steel Azin website said Karimi had nonetheless been fined after he drank water during a training session in August.

Karimi was also said to have disrespected the Iranian Football Federation, with a dispute with club's managing director Mostafa Ajorlou at the centre of his departure from the club, which has drawn worldwide attention.

Reports in Iran are suggesting that the fine issued is merely symbolic gesture of punishment, with Karimi not expected to pay.

After being dismissed for breaking the laws of fasting, with Muslims not allowed to eat or drink during the day during Ramadan (with exceptions), Karimi received public support from fans and former internationals Ali Daei and Mehdi Mahdavikia.

Karimi has a reputation for controversy and is the national team's second most capped player of all time.

Last year he wore a green armband in a World Cup qualifier against South Korea in a political statement and in 2008 he was banned from the national team after criticizing the Iranian Football Federation.

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