Iranian footballer suspended over video apparently showing alcoholic drink

Iranian football player Armin Sohrabian has been suspended after an online video appeared to show him carrying an alcoholic drink, local media reported Sunday.

Iran has banned the production and consumption of alcohol since the 1979 Islamic revolution, which ushered in Sharia-based laws.

Fars news agency reported Esteghlal Football Club has temporarily barred the 30-year-old defender from training sessions pending his appearance before a "disciplinary committee".

The agency also asserted that alcoholic beverages could be seen in the footage.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media in recent days, shows Sohrabian filming himself while holding a glass filled with a yellow liquid.

Another shot in the video showed him in front of a bar with several bottles that appeared to contain alcohol.

Late Saturday, Sohrabian posted on Instagram that the video dated back several years and had recently been published by someone with whom he had "personal issues".

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian Football Federation.

Local media have in recent months reported several incidents of authorities shutting down restaurants and cafes in Tehran for serving alcohol.

Only members of Iran's non-Muslim minorities, including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, are exempt from the alcohol ban, provided that they do not drink in public.

Foreigners are also required to adhere to the alcohol ban.