Month: February 2014

Kaffashian “Queiroz must replace Simões with an Iranian coach”

After the confirmation of the departure of António Simões from Iran and his resignation from Team Melli coaching team , Kaffashian has announced that his replacement will be an Iranian coach.

António Simões who has worked beside Carlos Queiroz as an assistant coach decided to leave his job citing personal reasons. In a statement to the Portuguese website , the 70 year old coach has been with Team Melli since April 2011 , confirmed that he has no problem or disputes with the federation , but personal reasons had made him decide to leave Iran.

Although Queiroz is reported to have hand pick a replacement , the statement by Kaffashian would mean that Queiroz needs to find a local coach.

 

 

Squad announced for Kuwait game.

The list of Team Melli squad has been announced for the matches against Kuwait in the AFC Asian Sup Qualifications round.

The squad will be gathering on Thursday right after the 4 Iranian clubs complete their first round matches of the AFC Champions League.

Apart from the inclusion of the bad boy of Iran’s football Payam Sadeghian,  No big surprises are included . There is a first call for 2 players, Foolad Khuzestan’s defender Mehrdad Jamaati and the young Sepahan Esfahan’s forward Ali Karimi . This Karimi’s inclusion killed all rumors of the real Ali Karimi , now with Tractorsazi being included in the squad  following some Queiroz remarks commending the standard of the 36 year player , perhaps mistaken by some as a sign that Tractorsazi’s Karimi will be in the team to Brazil.  Sepaahan’s Karimi  , might create a confusion with his famous namesake , if he is selected in the final squad. That is , however, very unlikely. There are recalls for 4 ex-Team Melli member Ale Nemeh , Bengar , Nourouzi and Queiroz all time favorite Mehrdad Pooldi    , who was once included in Team Melli squad while he was on crutches!

The surprising commissions include the creative Persepolis midfielder Mohsen Mosalman who , along with Sadeghian pushed Persepolis upwards in the league table.   Also absent is Arash Afshin , the Foolad forward has regained his form and confidence since his return back to his original club from Sepahan. Sepahan’s center Back Shoja’a Khalilzadeh must also be disappointed by being omitted from the squad after some earlier good form in the season.

 

Name Club
1. AHMADI, Rahman Sepahan
2. ALE NEMEH, Ahmad Naft Tehran
3. ANSARIFARD, Karim Tractorsazi
4. BEIGZADEH, Hashim Esteghlal
5. BEITASHOUR, Steven Vancouver Whitecaps
6. BENGAR, Mohsen Persepolis
7. DAVARI, Daniel Eintracht Braunschweig
8. DEJAGAH, Ashkan FUlham
9. GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza Charlton Atheletics
10. HADDADIFAR, Ghassim Zob Ahan
11. HAGHIGHI, Alireza Sporting Covilhã
12. HAGHIGHI, Reza Persepolis
13. HAJSAFY, Ehsan Sepahan
14. HEYDARI, Khosrow Esteghlal
15. HOSSEINI, Jalal Persepolis
16. JABBARI, Mojtaba Al Arabi
17. JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza NEC
18. JAMAATI, Mehrdad Foolad Khuzestan
19. KARIMI, Ali Sepahan
20. KARIMI, Yaghoub Sepahan
21. KHALATBARY, MohamadReza Persepolis
22. KHANZADEH, Mohammadreza Zob Ahan
23. LAK, Hamed Tractorsazi
24. MAHINI, Hossein Persepolis
25. MAKANI, Sousha Foolad Khuzestan
26. MONTAZERI, Pejman Um Slal
27. NEKOUNAM, Javad Al Kuwait
28. NOUROZI, Reza Naft Tehran
29. POOLADI, Mehrdad Persepolis
30. RAHMANI, Bakhtiyar Foolad Kuzestan
31. SADEGHIAN , Payam Persepolis
32. SADEGHI, AmirHossein Esteghlal
33. SHOJAEI, Masoud Las Palmas
34. TEYMOURIAN, Andranik Esteghlal
 
 

Team Melli sponsor reiterates support.

The new sponsors of Team Melli reiterated their full and unequivocal support to the team despite some of the negatives voices aired against this sponsorship deal.

Pasargad Bank . one of the larger banks in Iran have agreed a sponsorship deal with the FFIRI after the failure f the previous deal with an little known car export agency. That sponsorship started to fall apart as soon as the sponsor were asked to funnel the funds agreed upon towards Team Melli. The company was not able to meet its obligation despite the promises, and eventually the deal was off.

Khosrow Rafei , the Public Relation manager of Pasrgard Bank  said “The deal to support Team Melli and the Federation is not conditional , but a proper 1 year contract lasting to the end of next year. Our bank is aiming more towards a community service in this deal rather than pure commercial benefits . It is our belief that Team Melli will be representative of the whole of the nation and the success of this country and the people is our main priority. This is part of our community responsibility and a national duty ”

 

Beitashour,Haghighi R.,Hoisseini,Davari,Nekounam-Sadeghi AH,Mahini,Ghoochannejad, Dejagah, Jahanbakhsh,Shojaei

Team Melli to face Angola in Austria.

Angola national football team will play the Iranian counterpart in friendly match, scheduled for May 30 in Austria, according to the chairperson of the Angolan Federation of Soccer (FAF), Pedro Neto.

This match was suppose to be played in Tehran , but Mohammad Nabi has announced two weeks ago that the match is canceled, however he said that a friendly match will be played against an African team in the European camp of Team Melli. It is now clear from the Angolan side that the match has been shifted to Europe rather than canceled. According to the Angolan source, the game will be played in Europe to facilitate the integration of the athletes playing on that continent.

The match will allow the Sable Antelopes (nick name of Angola national team) to meet  the Iranians again after 1-1 draw in 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Angola will face Mozambique on March 5, under FIFA date, prior the match against Team Melli.  Angola will be under a new coach Romeu Filemon, who took over from the Uruguayan Gustavo Ferrin.

Team Melli is also scheduled to Meet Belarus and Montenegro in the European camp, but the dates are not confirmed yet.

World Cup 2014: Curitiba stadium earns Fifa reprieve

Brazilian city Curitiba , which will host Team Melli’s first match , will remain a venue for this year’s World Cup but world governing body Fifa said progress must continue at the “highest pace”.

The Arena da Baixada in the south of the country was one of six venues to miss an initial 31 December deadline. Organizers brought in hundreds of extra workers to meet building requirements and avoid being the first ground to be dropped from a World Cup.  The 40,000 stadium will stage four group matches at the tournament.

Last month Fifa warned that Curitiba could be excluded unless work speeded up, with secretary-general Jerome Valcke commenting that operations were seriously behind schedule. However, after financial guarantees for the improvement works were provided, the home of Brazilian top-flight club Atletico Paranaense was cleared to continue. Valcke said: “It is essential that the works are maintained at the required levels and that a collective effort by all the stakeholders involved in Curitiba continues.

“It is a race against a very tight timeline and will require regular monitoring, but we are counting on the commitment made by Atletico Paranaense, the city and the state of Curitiba.”

At least 1,500 workers are now expected on site, and is it hoped the stadium will be completed by mid-May. Ricardo Trade, chief executive of the local organizing committee, said: “There is still a lot to be done but we have always been confident that Curitiba will deliver. “The necessary measures to finish the stadium in time for proper testing are implemented, but close monitoring is key because we have no time to lose.

“Soon it will be time to look forward and plan for the test events and finish operational details for the competition.”

[box title=”World Cup 2014 matches in Curitiba ” style=”bubbles” box_color=”#abc785″ radius=”4″]

16 June: Iran v Nigeria, Group F

20 June: Honduras v Ecuador, Group E

23 June: Australia v Spain, Group B

26 June: Algeria v Russia, Group H

[/box]

 

Kaffashian threatens clubs in AFC Champions League !

Ali Kaffashian , the head of FFIRI stated today that he will talk to the Iranian clubs about releasing their players to Team Melli.

The four clubs Sepahan Esfahan , Esteghlal , Tractorsazi Tabriz and Foolad Khuzestan have qualified for this year’s edition of the AFC Champions League  and should be starting their campaigns next week. The AFC Champions league will clash with Carlos Queiroz plan for Team Melli training camp. The 4 clubs have strongly objected to those plans and indicated their unwillingness to release their players while they are involved in this lucrative and important competition.

Kaffashian and his administration have always enforced the idea that the priority is with Team Melli and hence the clubs should cooperate with the coaching staff of Team Melli by releasing their players “I will talk to the clubs and try to accommodate their requests , but they need to release the players for Team Melli. If we do not reach an accord , I shall escalate the matter to the higher authorities to force them to release the players”  Kaffashian did not indicate whom does he mean by higher authorities. There is no law that can enforce the clubs to release the players for a training camp and FIFA rules are quite clear in such matters. The clubs cannot be forced into releasing their players and the international rules strongly rejects government interference in football. It is interesting to observe the development of this affair. The release of the 4 teams best players , will most likely mean their failure o qualify from the group stages of the AFC Champions league. The financial loss at a time that most Iranian clubs have difficulties is quite significant.

Kaffashian also confirmed that the South African training camp is on again despite Queiroz objection. The head of FFIRI said “The players in Europe and the Arab leagues are not able to join the camp , but 30 to 40 % of the team is still available . If we do not go to South Africa, then the clubs will use the players in the AFC Champions League and that is not desirable (..)” . He also confirmed the European training camp which will include two friendly matches with Belarus and Macedonia.

[quote]” The whole Team Melli coaching staff contract is US$ 2.5 million of which Queiroz receives US$ 1.5 million”  Kaffashian [/quote]

For the first time , Kaffashian has disclosed the contract value of Carlos Queiroz and his team of assistants.” the whole Team Melli coaching staff contract is US$ 2.5 million of which Queiroz receives US$ 1.5 million. Queiroz has stated that he is willing to consider extending his stay in Iran if the federation offers a better contract with substantial increase in the value.” Kaffashian said in reference to the various rumors surrounding the Portuguese coach contract value.

Despite the under-secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sport statement that his Ministry has deposited a large sum in favor of Team Melli , Kaffashian denied receiving any funds “We still have not got anything from the Ministry yet.We were suppose to receive more than one billion toman* from the ministry towards Team Melli preparation program, but this has not materialized yet because the Ministry did not receive the fund from the Government budget.”

The head of FFIRI indicated that FIFA will soon release the blocked money in favor of his federation “Our money have been blocked for 3 years now at AFC and FIFA. We managed to get a release from AFC and we are very hopeful that FIFA will release the funds that they withheld by next month. It is much needed funds at this critical time and the bulk of it will go towards Team Melli preparation program.” Kaffashian said

 Kaffashian admitted that the sponsor of Team Melli selected a few months back was not up to expectation.” The sponsor failed to deliver on the promises and contractual obligations and hence we were forced to nullify that contract. We are actively looking at new sponsors and we have a hope that an organization with a big reputation will come forward in the next few days.” Kaffashian did not name that organization , but it is believed to be one of the major Iranian banks.

* 1 Billion Toman is equivalent to USD 402,123

Iran’s World Cup first match venue in doubt

February 17, 2014

 Curitiba could be dropped as a World Cup host amid construction delays, although FIFA tells INSIDER a final decision has not yet been made.

Brazilian media reports suggest Arena de Baixada will be axed as one of the 12 host cities for the month-long summer tournament. It is scheduled to host Iran-Nigeria on June 16, Spain v Australia on June 23, Algeria-Russia on June 26 and Honduras-Ecuador on June 30.

World Cup organisers in the southern Brazilian city say they have met FIFA requirements to guarantee the delayed stadium will be completed in time. Lack of finances has impacted construction.

FIFA gave local organisers until Feb. 18 to demonstrate that the pace of construction would be accelerated on the stadium project. It would still not be finished for another two months.

FIFA told INSIDER today: “As we explained many times a decision on Curitiba will only be made on 18 February based on a report from the technical stadium experts. This is a fact, the rest is pure speculation.”

Yesterday FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke tweeted a similar comment on his Twitter page.

In his Friday column on FIFA.com, he said the situation in Curitiba was being closely monitored. “The Brazilian Government, the host city and state of Parana, FIFA and the LOC are seeking and finding solutions to help them catch up and hopefully make sure such a special city in terms of sustainability and passion for football will remain part of the FIFA World Cup line-up,” he said.
Valcke returned to Brazil on Sunday for visits to three World Cup host cities this week.

On visiting Manaus, he tweeted: “Arena Amazonia is an amazing project. We can only congratulate Manaus for what they have achieved in the past year.”

He is also checking up on World Cup preparations in Brasilia, where seven FIFA World Cup matches will be played, and Porto Alegre.

During his host city tour, the Frenchman will also meet with officials from the 32 World Cup teams in Florianopolis for a team workshop.

It’s billed as the last major milestone event in Brazil before the FIFA Congress on June 10 and 11 in Sao Paulo. The World Cup kicks off in Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12.

On Friday, Valcke will attend an LOC board meeting in Florianopolis.

Team Melli receives much needed funds from the Sport Ministry

Nasorallah Sajjadi , the under-secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Sport has confirmed that his ministry has deposited funds in the bank account in support of Team Melli.

in a statement carried by ISNA, Sajjadi said that “Team Melli should have no problem going ahead with its program and that includes the training camps in South Africa, Europe and then Brazil. We have deposited the funds required yesterday and the coach should not be concerned with the financial backing.”

“We hope that the training program and the team’s preparation is not hindered by financial issues as we hop that the coach carries on with his program without this concern” Sajjadi was quoted today.

The backing of the Ministry of Youth and Sports comes in a crucial time for Team Melli. The much needed funds is welcome at the IRIFF that has struggled to make ends meet and has threatened the training and the preparation plans of Carlos Queiroz. Despite this welcome statement , there was no comment from the football federation FFIRI. The South Africa camp cancelation was requested by Queiroz citing many reasons including the lack of funds for such a camp , but Kaffashian always insisted publically that the camp in South Africa is still on. It is not clear what is the final verdict is on the African trip.

Dejagah and Magath meet again at Fulham.

Felix Magath has been appointed as the Fulham manager after Rene Meulensteen has been sacked . Team Melli’s Ashkan Dejagah played under Magath at Wolfsburg . The Dutchman, who succeeded the sacked Martin Jol in December, told BBC Sport that he had been fired but he remains under contract at Fulham.

Meulensteen, who won four of 17 games in charge, told BBC Sport: “They have hit the panic button on emotion and fear – but hey ho, that’s football.”

He was not mentioned in a club statement  announcing Magath’s arrival.

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan said: “With 12 matches remaining, we certainly can no longer post empty results. Action was required.”

Magath, 60, has signed an 18-month contract at Fulham, who are bottom of the Premier League. He has won the Bundesliga three times as a manager, most recently with Wolfsburg in 2009, and is the first German to manage in the Premier League.

In an interview with, kicker  , Felix Magath, the boss of Wolfsburg at the time said ” there was no  option for the sale of Ashkan Dejagah to Fulham ” . This was how  the coach of VfL Wolfsburg justified the  transfer of the fan’s favorite, Dejagah.  “I understand my job is that I work in perspective. If a player has an expiring contract, it is useful to separate in time, “said Magath.

Accordingly Dejagah did not renew his expiring contract in 2013 with the wolves. In early May, the 26-year-old had been expressed that one could expect a contract extension, “I feel in Wolfsburg well, otherwise I would not be here long,” Dejagah explained at the time.

Now the pair unite again , but under much more difficult and different circumstances than their success at Wolfsburg. Fulham is struggling and could be relegated by end of the season. Dejagah has not managed to get the confidence of the Dutch coaches, but a German in the quality and class of Magath , who happened to know the player quite well,  is surely a good omen for the Iranian midfield player.

Braunschweig’s Davari chasing Iran dream

(FIFA.com)

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Braunschweig's Davari chasing Iran dream

Of all the curious tales that football spawns across the globe, there can only be few players experiencing a more bittersweet moment in their careers than Daniel Davari at present. While the Eintracht Braunschweig goalkeeper is helping his club fight for Bundesliga survival, the 26-year-old also has one eye on participating at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

After making his debut for the Iranian national team just a few months ago, Davari is now a regular member of the squad. “Going to the World Cup would definitely be the highlight of my career,” he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview. “So far getting promoted to the Bundesliga was the best thing, but an invitation to go to the World Cup would be incredible, it’s what everyone dreams about. I’d be happy and proud and my family would be delighted.”

World Cup dream
Davari may only have two international appearances to his name thus far, but his competition for the No1 jersey, Rahman Ahmadi and Hamed Lak – with just eight and one caps respectively – hardly boast more experience. The race to be first-choice in Brazil is, therefore, still wide open.

“The coach doesn’t have to decide just yet,” Davari continued. “I’m sure he’ll wait and see what happens during our preparations. It’s up to me to do my best in training and in our warm-up matches and to play as well as I can. I’d be really happy to be in the squad, whether it be as first, second or third choice. I always try to give everything when I get called up.”

I had goosebumps when the national anthem was played. It was by far the best experience I’ve had in football.

Daniel Davari on his international debut
  Iran went undefeated in the two matches Davari played, and the custodian fondly recalls his international debut, a 3-0 victory over Thailand on 15 November 2013: “It was an indescribable experience. I’d imagined what it might be like, but when it actually happened it surpassed my wildest dreams.

“I was really nervous, which was unusual because I’m normally very calm before games. I had goosebumps when the national anthem was played. It was by far the best experience I’ve had in football. I’m really happy to play for Iran.”

At the beginning of next month Davari will join up with the national team once more, with friendlies scheduled against Kuwait on 3 March and Guinea two days later. It is then that Davari, who took inspiration from both his grandfather and former Germany international Jens Lehmann to become a goalkeeper, could discover his chances of being No1 in Brazil.

Challenges ahead
After being drawn against Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria in Group F, Iran’s path to the knockout rounds is anything but straightforward. “Argentina are the clear favourites in our group,” Davari said. “Bosnia also have a great team with a lot of good players, many of whom play in the Bundesliga or elsewhere abroad. And then there’s Nigeria. On the whole, African teams are very strong, especially physically. It’s a massive challenge and I’m glad we have three really tough games.”

Davari, who was born and raised in Germany by his Iranian father and Polish mother, has not looked back since making his breakthrough at Braunschweig in 2009. However, the club are in a precarious position at the foot of the Bundesliga standings, with just 12 points to show from their 20 league outings this season.

“We’re still very optimistic,” Davari continued. “You shouldn’t give up as long as it’s still mathematically possible, and we won’t. We believe we’ve got a good chance, especially as we’ve improved a lot coming into the second half of the season. We need to keep going into our next games ready to give everything.”

This weekend Braunschweig face a relegation six-pointer at home to 17th-placed Hamburg. “You have to make your own luck,” said Davari. “People tend to say that you’re out of luck when things are going badly, but last year we discovered that that’s not necessarily the case.“

The Lions’ pursuit of a fourth victory this term will not be easy, especially as their visitors have history on their side: Hamburg were one of the Bundesliga’s founding members and are the only club never to have been relegated.

With so much at stake for both club and country in the coming months, Davari will no doubt experience a wide range of emotions between now and Brazil 2014.  Yet if all goes to plan, the towering custodian will be able to look back on this period of uncertainty with a smile, safe in the knowledge that Bundesliga survival, and a starting place at the World Cup, are assured.