In a shocking development from the Ekstraklasa, Lech Poznań’s Iranian midfielder Ali Gholizadeh has been fined £10,000 by the club for allegedly faking an injury. The disciplinary action follows an internal investigation launched after suspicions arose regarding Gholizadeh’s recent absence from key matches during the club’s campaign. The club confirmed the fine in an official statement released earlier today, emphasizing their commitment to professionalism and integrity.
The controversy began last month when Gholizadeh withdrew from the matchday squad citing a hamstring injury. Medical examinations reportedly failed to show any signs of a legitimate issue, leading the coaching staff and medical team to question the authenticity of the claim. A formal inquiry was launched, and the findings concluded that Gholizadeh had misled the club about his fitness status. The club management acted swiftly, imposing the financial penalty as a disciplinary measure.
Lech Poznań head coach John van den Brom expressed disappointment over the incident but stated that the team remains focused on their goals. “We hold our players to high ethical standards. This behavior does not reflect what we stand for. We expect honesty and commitment from everyone in the squad,” he told local media. He added that while Gholizadeh remains a member of the team, further consequences could follow depending on his conduct going forward.
Gholizadeh, who joined Lech Poznań amid high expectations due to his creative flair and international experience, has struggled to find consistent form since his arrival. This incident may further jeopardize his standing within the squad and raise questions about his future at the club. Some fans have taken to social media to express disappointment, calling for a more transparent explanation from the player himself.
While Gholizadeh has yet to publicly comment on the situation, sources close to the midfielder suggest he may appeal the club’s decision or issue a personal statement soon. Meanwhile, Lech Poznań is turning its attention to the remainder of the season, determined to put this controversy behind them. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in elite sports and the consequences players may face when those standards are breached.
