Taken from: http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=11272&NewsKind=Sport ========================== "According to Iranian media and press, the new financial sponsor of Esteghlal is apparently Bayer, the supplier of Aspirin to Iran. Bayer is also the Lever kusen financial sponsor and has now expressed readiness to sign a one billion dollar contract with the club for a year. The only problem with the new contract is that Bayer at present does not possess a permit to sell its products in Iran. The negotiations have therefore been postponed until perhaps Esteghlal finds a solution to the problem. Esteghlal who is not supported by any organization or state body is forced to make ends meet each season in the face of great expenditure, which includes the new Koch contract, player salaries, past debts, and club expenses. Player salaries have also increased this year raising costs still further."