Kambiz Atabay: The Visionary Leader Who Elevated Iranian Football

Atabay’s presidency ushered in what many still call the “Golden Age” of Iranian football. He introduced a structured, professional approach to the game, emphasizing transparency, planning, and infrastructure. One of his landmark achievements was the creation of the Takht Jamshid Cup in 1973, Iran’s first nationwide football league. It revolutionized the sport by providing a formal calendar, regular competition, and a national platform for clubs and players to grow.