Both men played for Persepolis of Tehran, which defeated Damash Gilan 3-2 in a nationally televised game.
Game video clearly showed Mohammad Nosrati of Persepolis squeezing the backside of teammate Sheis Rezai as they celebrated a goal.
It was much more than a friendly pat. The video made clear it was a serious grab. The video also shows Rezai was displeased and quickly reached back and pushed Nosrati’s hand away.
Yet, later in the game, Rezai was seen squeezing another teammate’s rear.
Esmail Hasanzadeh, chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Iranian Football Federation, announced Monday, “Nosrati and Rezai have been banned indefinitely from all soccer activities for committing immoral acts.”
He said they were still under investigation and could face further punishment.
The two were also suspended by Persepolis and fined 500 million rials (about $48,000).
The two players insisted they had not intended to offend anyone.
Meanwhile, Abbas Qasemi, goalkeeper for the Zob Ahan team, was banned from playing for two years by the Federation after he failed a doping test. He tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, which contains nandrolone, a banned steroid.