Germany Under-21 international Ashkan Dejagah has pulled out of the national squad to face Israel at the weekend for political reasons.
The Germany-born midfielder is the son of Iranian parents and appears to sympathise with Iran's political stance against Israel.
"Everybody knows I am a German-Iranian," he told the Bild newspaper. "This has political reasons."
However, German Football Association president Dr Theo Zwanziger is distressed by the 21-year-old's decision.
He said: "If we start delving into politics, then sport would be the big loser."
Germany under-21 coach Dieter Eilts has accepted the Wolfsburg midfielder's decision and has not called up any player to replace him.
"Everybody knows I am a German-Iranian," he told the Bild newspaper. "This has political reasons."
However, German Football Association president Dr Theo Zwanziger is distressed by the 21-year-old's decision.
He said: "If we start delving into politics, then sport would be the big loser."
Germany under-21 coach Dieter Eilts has accepted the Wolfsburg midfielder's decision and has not called up any player to replace him.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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