Barq will not play Esteqlal: official

IRNA - The managing director of Shiraz-based Barq Club said his side due to financial problems cannot continue any more and will not array his players against Esteqlal in its next match. 
Talking to reporters Sunday, Mohammad-Hadi Akbari added at the beginning of Iran Pro League the provincial officials and representative of the Ministry of Energy agreed that half of expenses of the club is paid by the Fars Regional Power Co. and another half would be met by the provincial budgets. The Ministry of Energy has fulfilled his promise, said the official, adding that but the club has received no financial aid through provincial allocations. 
Akbari added: "Six weeks of Iran Pro League have lapsed and Barq even was not to meet Sepahan in Isfahan due to the problem. 
"We have negotiated with the Fars Football Board and told the officials our problem. "Players and coaches have not yet received their due wages and there are still 20 weeks ahead." 
Extending his appreciation to the coaches and players for their efforts and function, the Barq managing director said the technical progress of the team has been satisfactory during the six weeks. In its match against Sepahan, Barq had a brilliant performance, said Akbari, adding this is the players' love in the club that has so 
far protected it. 
"Under such conditions, we cannot do anything. We have told the Football Board that the junior teams of Barq cannot continue either," he added. 
He expressed hope the problems of the club is settled so that the 55-year-old club would not go bankrupt.