Tractor FC’s 2025 Championship: 

A Victory Beyond Football

By Umud Duzgun

May 07, 2025 

  Over hundred thousands of Tractor FC’s fans celebrate the championship in Sahand Stadium in Tabriz.

In the spring of 2025, Tractor FC—a club rooted in the heart of South Azerbaijan(north west of Iran) —clinched the Iran's Pro League title with two matches to spare, defeating Shams Azar Qazvin 4–0 in a decisive, unforgettable performance. But for millions of Azerbaijani Turks across Iran, this wasn’t just a sports triumph. It was a historic act of cultural and political vindication.

From a "Stolen Title" to Redemption

Tractor FC’s 55 years journey to this championship has been anything but ordinary. So much controversy and match fixing  prevented Tractor FC from reaching its fair standing.  In 2015, Tractor came within minutes of winning the league. With a 3–1 lead over Naft Tehran FC and jubilant fans in a sold-out Sahand Stadium in Tabriz, it seemed the title was theirs. Then came a storm of controversial refereeing decisions (including a dubious red card and penalty denial) shifted momentum, a suspicious comeback by the opposing team, and—most infamously—false announcements that misled players and supporters into celebrating a victory that  never had a good official outcome. Many believe the title was stolen—not just from a team, but from a people.

This event became a symbol of a deep injustice that began more than a century ago, exemplifying the Iranian Persian state's chauvinistic policy of marginalization, central manipulation, and prohibition of the native language, erasing the identity of the Azerbaijani Turks. It left a wound that festered in memory—until now.

A Championship Under Watchful Eyes

With FIFA monitoring the 2024–2025 season closely due to previous accusations of match-fixing and political interference, this time the playing field was level—or at least closer to it. Tractor’s domination throughout the season was undeniable, their tactics sharp, their support unwavering.

When they sealed the title, it wasn’t just the scoreboard that mattered. For fans across Tabriz, Urmia, Ardabil, Zanjan, and beyond, it was a delayed justice, a moment of national pride. Chants in Azerbaijani Turkish echoed in stadiums, homes, and online spaces: “Qələbə bizimdir!” (Victory is ours).

Why the Regime Is Uncomfortable 

Despite congratulatory messages pouring in from all over the world, football clubs, and neighboring counties politicians, Tehran's officials remain silent! This championship has sparked discomfort in Tehran—not because of the result, but because of what it represents. Tractor is deeply entwined with Azerbaijani identity, often used as a platform to demand linguistic rights, cultural recognition, as well as re-establishing the national government and independence.

national government and independence. Fans have historically waved the Azerbaijani flag, chanted political slogans, and turned stadiums into arenas of peaceful resistance.

In 2013, a large banner was held up by people at Tabriz Stadium, boldly declared: "South Azerbaijan is not Iran"—a powerful echo of "Catalonia is not Spain." This comparison is not superficial. Like FC Barcelona in Catalonia, Tractor has become a symbol of suppressed identity asserting itself in the public square.

Now, with mass celebrations expected in Tabriz, the regime has responded with calls for "security precautions", including the possible ban on fans ( play without spectators) or other limitations of the final home match. Many see this as yet another attempt to silence Azerbaijani visibility—not just on the field, but in the nation’s consciousness.

More Than a Club

Tractor FC’s 2025 title is more than a football trophy. It’s a moment of collective dignity for over 35 million Azerbaijani Turks who have waited years to see their pride recognized as a vibrant and powerful nation. In a country (Iran) where minority voices are often dismissed or punished, this victory shines as a rare and radiant act of people-power.

As one fan put it, waving a red Tractor flag in downtown Tabriz:

"They may stop us from attending and celebrating the final match, but they can’t stop this feeling. This win is ours—and history will remember."

Umud Duzgun

May 07, 2025