Esteghlal F.C. are a football club based in the city of Tehran, Iran. Founded in 1946 they have been competing in AFC Champions League since 1970 and have become one of the most successful teams in Aisa, winning two major continental trophies including two Asian cups and are ranked joint second among all clubs across the continent in this regard.[2] Esteghlal are by far Iran's most successful international representatives: no other teams from that nation have won Asia's premier competition more than once, or have more than two trophy wins overall.[2]
Ahmadi, Seyyed Ali Akbar (21 December 2009). Esteghlal Full History of the Club from Docharkheh Savaran and Taj to Esteghlal. Paygan. ISBN978-600-5096-54-5.