Tag: Ali Kaffashian

Is it worth it?

Iranian football has never been exposed to such a humiliating treatment like the ones that it is receiving from this Mozambique born Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.

For the last few years and due to all sort of reasons, he has been treating the football federation with contempt. Manipulating the faults and the sheer incompetency of the system managed by the likes of Ali Kaffashian , Mehdi Taj and MohammadReza Saket (the so-called Esfahani Mafia), Queiroz has opened a front against the establishment and began a proxy war , agitation technique and a campaign in misleading the stakeholders in order to get out of his commitment and contractual obligation.  Such contempt, disrespect to the people, flagrant disregard for the etiquette of the host country would have sent him on the first flight home if that happened in one of the Persians Gulf countries, however it seems that the Persians are way too accommodating for the “Khareji”.

 Omid Namazi 

Queiroz’s  list of his misdemeanors is as long as an airport runway and it is increasing by the day. His latest antics were the indiscriminate sacking of the Iranian personnel working in Team Melli. From Afshin Peyrovani, unashamed defenders of the Portuguese man who was living in denial to the mild mannered, dedicated and the professional Markar Aghajanian. Before them, Omid Namazi faced the same dilemma.

“At what price and humiliation level do you want to make to the World Cup?” These are the words of Ali Karimi who served under Queiroz for a few days as an assistant coach only to abruptly leave his post and was subsequently bombarded with hate messages and profanities from the same people who used to cheer him on the stands during his playing days, according to Karimi’s own words. But to his credit , Karimi  always maintained silence and never discussed the reason for leaving his Team Melli assistant coach job in such an abrupt manner. Karimi, rightly or wrongly feared instability in the Team Melli camp and to preserve national interest, he remained quiet.

“Now,  you can guess what happened in my case. I say no more, but I hope all those who questioned my loyalty to Team Melli realize where I stand and why I left.” Karimi clearly hinting at the treatment of Iranian assistant coaches are receiving from the Portuguese.

There is no doubt that Queiroz was lied to, promises of support never fulfilled, worked in a chaotic rather than a systematic environment, not paid his wages on time and most importantly lacked the resources to excel in his job, but he knew all of that during his first term and yet accepted an improved offer to continue working in Iran (although physically residing in Dubai and abroad most of the time) . His agreement to extend his contract beyond World Cup 2014 was done after a series of press statements bad mouthing Iran’s football and its administration!

Is it worth it? Is qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018 worth all of the insults, abuses and cruelties that this Portuguese man is giving to the Iranians in their own country?

A proud nation with thousands of years of culture is being taken to the cleaners by one vindictive man who has an agenda and that is quite literally, anarchy. His vindictive tactics is more petulant than clever too. Using a Persepolis player in his squad to unsettle Branko Ivankovic’s team preparation is one such leverage he selected to take revenge for the Croat coach!!

 The nation that stood against virtually all the great powers and refused to bow to their pressure thus holding its head up high and being proud of it, is unable to deal with the antics of one foreign football coach. Pity those who think that Queiroz is the only man in the world that can take Iran to the World Cup 2018.

FIFA proposes two-and-a-half-year ban for Qatar official Al-Mohannadi

A two-and-a-half-year ban and a CHF 20,000 fine have been suggested by FIFA after an investigation into Qatar official Saoud Al-Mohannadi. 

FIFA’s Ethics Committee has recommended a two-and-a-half-year ban from football for Qatar Football Association (QFA) vice-president Saoud Al-Mohannadi who is running against Ali Kaffashian as AFC candidate in FIFA’s Executive Committee. 

World football’s governing body has investigated the QFA official for an alleged failure to cooperate fully with a separate anti-corruption probe.

“The investigation against Mr Al-Mohannadi concerned his failure to properly cooperate and provide truthful information to the investigatory chamber in the framework of another investigation not related to the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” a FIFA statement read.

“In his final report, the chief of the investigation recommends imposing a ban of no less than two years and six months and a fine of no less than CHF 20,000 on Mr Al-Mohannadi for an alleged violation of art. 13 (General rules of conduct), art. 18 (Duty of disclosure, cooperation and reporting) and art. 42 (General obligation to collaborate) of the FIFA Code of Ethics. 

“Until a formal decision is taken by the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, the accused party is presumed innocent.”

Al-Mohannadi had been the general secretary of the QFA when its bid to host the 2022 World Cup was launched.

He had been approved as a candidate to run for a place on FIFA’s ruling council this month, having last year withdrawn from the race for the Executive Committee claiming he did not want to divide support for West Asian candidates.

Al-Mohannadi is the second Qatari official to be involved in a major corruption scandal involving FIFA. Mohammad Bin Hammam was banned for life for bribing his way to FIFA Presidency election in December 2012. Although FIFA was not forthcoming about the details of Al-Mohannadi’s misdemeanour, it is believed that the Vice President and the strongman of QFA has hidden documents, falsified records and used strong-arm tactics and direct threats against anyone revealing incriminating evidence that would have harmed QATAR hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz returns back to Tehran

The Portuguese Head coach of Team Melli , returned back to Tehran yesterday amid speculations about his future.

Carlos Queiroz who submitted his resignation to Ali Kaffashian and announced that his last working day would be 7th May 2016 to coincide with the election of the FFIRI , left the country without waiting for approval for his resignation. The lack orf resources, lack of full and unequivocal support , opposition to his methods within the FFIRI and poor quality kit for Team Melli has been mentioned repeatedly by Queiroz as detrimental to the conduct of his duty.

Insiders believe that there is more to Queiroz resignation this time than meets the eyes. The Portuguese resignations or threats of,  has become institutional and monotonous. Almost all the reasons he has mentioned this time are far from novel and has been in existence from the day he started working in Iran. This time, however, the situition is different with his main backer Ali Kaffashian deciding to not to run for the Presidency of FFIRI, a fact that  put the Portuguese coach in a dilemma. Queiroz felt that his situation will be that much weaker in the absence of his main and some say , only backer. Queiroz rhetorics, threats and some of his livid behaviors including insults to his colleagues and superiors might not go down well with the new boss.

The hospitable Iranians have tolerated Queiroz to a unprecdentat level. Queiroz would have been on the first flight out of the country if he acted in such ill manner in UAE or any of the neighboring Persian Gulf countries.

In reality, Queiroz should not fear any signficant changes in policy as the successor to Kaffashian is his former right man Mehdi Taj. The new president had been heading the Fottball League and had very little to do with the affairs of Team Melli , however , he has already announced that Team Melli qualification to the World Cup 2018 is at the top of his priorities. Taj has remained silent on Queiroz’s resignation but the chances are very high that he will keep the Portuguese and continue the policies of his predecessor and currently his deputy Ali Kaffashian in a role reversal.

Kaffashian & Queiroz

Taj , like many before him, has not come up with any tangible or significant plans to improve the conditions of Team Melli in terms of resources and backing. A country in the size and riches of Iran apparently has one training ground for Team Melli and while it was on maintenance like recently, Team Melli had no decent alternative to practise during the last rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers!

The kit was one of the other major complaints of Carlos Queiroz. He was quite vocal against the quality of the German Kit supplier , although some cynics, say there are more to the quality and quantity that has led to Queiroz opposition. To  improve the quality of the kit and mitigate  the complaints by coach and players, FFIRI has signed with a kit supplier that hardly anyone has ever heard of !

As such , FFIRI might have changed its President , but the chances that it will change its mentalities and the way it runs football affairs in the country is quite remote. The fundamental lack of professionalism, poor management , archaic mentalities still prevails and rampant in the corridors of the Seoul Street headquarters. This has marred the natrual progress of football to the degree that the country deserves and has the potential for.

Queioroz, although not a saint and certainly a person who lacks the etiquette of dealing with others, has rightly raised the alarm and announced his concerns. It is remains to be seen , how this will all resolve.

 

Mehdi Taj wins the election as the new President of FFIRI

Mehdi Taj , has won the FFIRI election as the head of the federation after a prolonged and complicated path to the General Assembly marred by off and on dates.

To make sure that the delegates remain in control and not deviate from the path , The Minister of Youth and Sport was present at the election and took the tribune as honorary guest!

Mehdi Taj (56 years) , the industrialist and veteran sport administrator has been the front-runner and favorite ahead of his main rival Mostafa Ajerloo. He managed to secure majority votes on Satarday’s election.  An Esfahani who previously was the Managing Director of both Sepahan and Zob Ahan, took these two clubs to remarkable successes. His last position  was the head of the football League in the federation. He was a long time associate of Ali Kaffashian.

Taj is one of the few current football administrators who have a good record in organization and management. His managerial and excutive skills iare evident in the way he ran the Football league under the most difficult of sitiuations and under pressure from the ever demanding clubs. His handling of crises and  problems had mostly been professional.

A man with vast knowledge and competent organizer, Mehdi Taj has a tough time cleaning up so much mess created by his predecessor and even tougher time seeking the approval of the Ministry of Youth and Sport whose meddling into football has never ceased. The approval of Minster of Youth and Sport remains a priority in Taj’s agenda despite his public denial and taking a distance from the Minister’s policies.

Most probably, the best and most experienced man won the FFIRI election. Taj has several major immidiate hurdles ahead and the most critical seems to be the case of Team Melli head coach. Carlos Queiroz has submitted his resignation again and announced that he is no longer interested to work in Iran with meagre facilities and poor resources given to him. Taj has not worked directly with Queiroz in his various capacities in FFIRI and it is unclear how much influence the Portuguese coach will have on him. Kaffashian, who did not contest the election, was the only strong supporter of Queiroz and a staunch backer.

Recently asked by a reporter if he (Taj) will be influenced by Queiroz’s demands and his war of attrition with other federation members, Taj diplomatically refrained from answering directly and prefered to handle the siyiuation privately.

 

Queiroz’s end of the road.

It seems like the end of the road between Carlos Queiroz and Team Melli is finally a reality after some bizarre rhetoric by the Portuguese coach against Alireza Asadi , FFIRI , Sajjadi and the Ministry of  sport of the Islamic Republic.

After meeting with Ali Kaffashian to decide Team Melli and his letter of resignation , the Portuguese coach talked to the press and opened fire on whom he perceives as adversaries

 The bulk of Queiroz’s contempt was directed at Alireza Asadi , whom the Portuguese considers as an enemy and accused him of being behind everything bad in Team Melli .

“I don’t know what a guy who does not know the difference between a football pitch and a potato field, is doing in the federation. All I know is that he has landed here via the parachute of the Ministry of Sport (…)” Queiroz said in reference to Asadi .

“They have won. They have done what thy wanted to do all the way and that is to discredit me and tarnished my reputation and that of Afshin Peyrovani.”

Queiroz did not munch his words  to the extent of criticizing his only solid support in the federation. Referring to Kaffashian, he blamed him for failing to stand against  Asadi and others  who wanted to harm him!  

These verbal attack and accusations are nothing new as they are  a repeat of what Queiroz has said in several occasions. However, combined with the submission of his earlier resignation , it is more likely that Queiroz will leave his job.

Among more genuine grievances, Queiroz complained about lack of resources and training facilities for Team Melli.  This was one of the reasons he has mentioned as a reason from his intention to leave.  

However , no decision has been taken at today’s meeting , another meeting is arranged for Wednesday.

It is highly unlikely that Queiroz will continue with Team Melli. Although the Portuguese has a track record for such maneuvers, he normally returned back without explaining the motives for his return.

 After the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil , Queiroz publicly announced that he is not returning back to Iran.

Kaffashian will not run in the latest FFIRI elections.

Ali Kaffashian the incumbent President of the Iranian football federation FFIRI has announced that he will not run for re-election due in a few weeks.

7 candidates have announced their candidacy for replacing Ali Kaffashian amongst them are Mehdi Taj , the current head of the Football League in FFIRI , General Mostafa Ajerloo famous for his succesful days as Pas Tehran club chairman and Azizollah Mohammadi , the former  head of the Football League . The trio have the highest chances of winning the election as the new President of FFIRI.

Kaffashian has been put under pressure by his Nemesis the Minister of Sport Goudarzi to quit. The two never had an amicable relation mainly due to the constant interference by the Ministry in football affairs thus risking a ban by FIFA. Kaffashian has publicly denied any rift but admitted that the FFIRI and the Ministry of Sport have conflicting interests and opinions that could harm the sport. 

Despite Kaffashian’s withdrawal , he noted that if he feels that there is enough backing and support from the general assembly , he will reenter the election for another 4 years.

The impact of Kaffashian leaving the administration will be directly felt at Team Melli. Carlos Queiroz , the head coach has been receiving full support from Kaffashian while on the other hand, creating a plethora of enemies around him. It is a forgone conclusion that Queiroz will not survive without Kaffashian at the helm. No one in the current administration cares much for him being the head coach except for Kaffashian. None of the other candidates expressed public support for the Portuguese coach either. However , in Iran changes can happen and shifts in support has turned situations before. 

Queiroz in Minsitry of Youth & Sport
Queiroz in Minsitry of Youth & Sport

Afshin Peyrovani resigns from his post

The former Team Melli Captain who was appointed as Team Melli Manager by the FFIRI on April 2015 , has submitted his resignation to Ali Kaffashian.

In a public announcement , Peyrovani has confirmed that his resignation was submitted on 13th February but has not received a response yet. Peyrovani claims that he was verbally told to stay by Kaffashian.

Afshin Peyrovani cited lack of resources as a major reason for his resignation, but also said that dignity and self-respect has made him decide that he is no more able to work with Team Melli.

Technically speaking , Peyrovani has no contract with FFIRI. It is not clear if he has received any payment for his work or was it voluntary basis. Peyrovani is a staunch supporter of Carlos Queiroz, however , his appointment was only approved by the Portuguese coach conditional to Peyrovani’s non-interference in technical matters. His job was purely administrative. 

Peyrovani accused the federation of not providing proper resources for Team Mell thus echoing what Queiroz is complaining about. He was also bitter about not being offered a proper employment contract since he started work on April last year.

Queiroz is targeted by Mayeli-Kohan’s wrath.

A recent interview with Mohammad Mayeli-Kohan , until recently , the Technical Director of Omid Team (Iran’s U23) created a lot of discussion and controversy in football circles.

Mayeli-Kohan is one of those divisive characters that is either loved or hated.  He is known for being hostile to anything that he does not agree with. There is no restraint or moderation to what he thinks and say. The former Team Melli coach’s wild accusations and slanderous claims have put him in trouble with the law. He was eventually sentenced to prison by a court which found him defamatory in several cases and subsequently Mayeli-Kohan was incarcerated. It was only because of the plaintiff mercy and pardon that Mayeli-Kohan was released after serving a few days of his sentence.  It was Ali Daei who was sued Mayeli-Kohan in that libel case. However, despite that brief imprisonment, Mayeli-Kohan is neither repentant nor plans to calm down his radical and harsh criticism of whatever he does not like.

 Appointed to qualify Iran to the Olympics

Despite questionable attitude and background in addition to hostilities he managed to accumulate with many sport personalities and organizations, Ali Kaffashian is his bizarre wisdom accepted Habib Kashani and Mohammad Khakpour’s recommendation to include Mayeli-Kohan in the Omid Team squad as Technical Director.

The rest is history. Omid team did not qualify despite huge budget and long preparation, not to mention stopping the league for the team. The media had its day by much criticism mostly directed at the top of Omid team leadership and coaching. Most found Khakpour inexperience as the major reason for the team’s failure.

The interview

Mayeli-Kohan did not take those attacks on him and the rest of the team leadership lightly. In a recent interview with ISNA , Mayeli-Kohn fired back with a vengeance and did not munch his words. The Technical Director of Omid Team opened fire on all front accusing everyone and everybody but his indisputable and absolute target was none other than Carlos Queiroz and his suitors!

He accused the Portuguese head coach of Team Melli of being the main reason for Omid team’s exit by being an obstacle behind the scenes and working against them. He was overtly defensive of his own record with Omid team and apologized for the people for not succeeding to lead Iran to qualify for the Olympics games football competition, but he also accused the media of disgraceful bias in their critic of Omid team while nothing like that was directed at Queiroz after 5 years of failures, according to him, and siphoning the country’s money!

maylei Kohan in handcuffs

“He has not won any trophies, he has not won any titles, no gold medals not even a wooden medal, yet he is being revered by media and those who get benefits and paybacks because of him, while national coaches like me and Khakpour are being humiliated and ridiculed.” Mayeli-Kohan said in the interview.

The incensed Mayeli-Kohan remained unusually composed, but solidly defiant during the interview. When the reporter reminded him that Queiroz remains popular amongst the fans, he refuted such claim and claimed they are all being on some Queiroz backer payroll! He said these are the same fans that abused our icons such as Ali Parvin, Ali Daei, Ghalenoei and chanted profanities against them from the stands when the results were not going well.  They are driven by greed and who pays more.“

Logic dictates that the words of Mayeli-Kohan, which has become a dull routine, would be brushed under the carpet and very few will take any serious notice of his harsh words. Mayeli-Kohan is a known antagonist and a radical who is still a strong supporter of former disgraced President Ahmadinejad’s camp. However, this controversial interview, if that is the right expression, has shaken a few pillars in Iran’s football hierarchy. His unadulterated attack on Carlos Queiroz seems to have taken its toll, most noticeably by Carlos Queiroz.

Carlos Queiroz predicament.

Queiroz has been incognito since the last Team Melli match in 2015. He made a singular appearance in Doha during the Olympic qualifiers, to watch the progress of Omid team according to Kaffashian, but to conduct some private matters, according to Queiroz himself (take your pick). Carlos Queiroz seems to be the more accurate as he had no contact whatsoever with Omid Team camp during the qualifiers although he is known to have attended at least one match. In essence, there is no love lost between the two camps in any case.

On his brief return to Tehran, Queiroz realized that all promises that was given to him before leaving Iran by Kaffashian for improving the conditions of Team Melli, including official kit and training grounds quality, was nothing but vaporware. The conditions have even deteriorated. Queiroz is said to be seriously thinking of quitting once for all. Whether the verbal barrage by Mayeli-Kohan has made an impact will never be known, but it is know that he is always kept up-to-date with what is written about him in Iranian press. Mayeli-Kohan, despite being a colleague and working for the FFIRI has never been complimentary to him. This is nothing new although it was never so intense, personal and obvious.

The Portuguese coach is quite fond of playing this resignations game by using veiled threats or direct statements, this time however, sources close to him and Kaffashian seem to believe that he is more serious than ever. Kaffashian, although not a highly revered professional administrator or leader, has a good skills in negotiations and bargaining so he feels confident that he will be able to keep Queiroz at  least until the last two matches in the group in the World Cup qualifiers.

With Nowrooz approaching, it will be an interesting few weeks. Iran qualification to the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is all but assured. With the present state of things, Queiroz is more than worried that he could lose the chance of qualifying with poor support and preparation of Team Melli. This attack on his character might create a toxic atmosphere with the fans and as such it might make his task even more difficult. As it is, the attendance for Team Melli matches in Azadi is one of the lowest in record. A few more people jumping on Mayeli-Kohan’s bandwagon will make life that much difficult for Queiroz.

Kaffashian offices raided by government officials.

Ali Kaffashian was questioned by government officials and his offices was rummaged on Sunday. 

The head of Iran’s football federation was not taken into custody but the officials carried with them several documents of unknown nature for examination or as evidence.

Reza Hassankho , the head of security in the FFIRI has confirmed that government officials have visited the federation’s headquarters in Seoul street of Tehran and questioned the Head of the federation. Hassankho did not elaborate on the reason behind this unexpected move neither did did he indicate which government agency had carried out the operation. The position of Head of Security in the FFIRI is normally “recommended” by the  government through the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

Ali Kaffashian has been facing several corruption allegations but none was proven until now. He will stand for re-election in a few months time and this incident might be a move to tarnish his image by none other than his sworn foe, the Minister of Youth and Sport.

No comments or statements from any government ministries were issued.

Queiroz departs Iran on extended medical leave.

Team Melli’s Head Coach Carlos Queiroz departed Iran for an extended leave of absence in which the Portuguese coach intends to go for medical check up and recuperation, according to Ali Kaffashian, The President of FFIRI.

Queiroz , who was rumored to be seriously ill , gave no interviews nor did not provide any hint on nature of his illness on his departure from Iran.  The only reference about the medical condition of Queiroz came in form of a denial of rumors by Afshin Peyrovani , the sporting manager of Team Melli who denied that Queiroz has cancer.

Carlos Queiroz arrived with the Team Melli squad from the long trip from Guam jaded and somehow less lively than normal, however , that could have been due to the stress of the long journey rather than any serious illness.

Queiroz is not expected back in Iran for at least 50 days. Interestingly enough, during his absence the FFIRI election will be conducted in which Kaffashian , his staunch supporter, might very well not be the head of FFIRI by the time Queiroz is back.

We wish , Team Melli coach , the speediest of recovery and good health.