Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has announced plans to offer the shares of popular soccer clubs Esteqlal and Persepolis to private investors.

"We have decided to offer the stakes of Esteqlal and Persepolis to improve the two clubs," Ahmadinejad said in an interview with the state TV on Wednesday night.

The president further emphasized the importance of supporting the two Tehran-based soccer clubs.

"These two clubs have a lot of fans; in fact, they have a national standing and the government will help them," he added.

The two clubs already enjoy the massive financial support of Iran's Physical Education Organization (PEO).

HRF/MTM/AKM