Tag: Ali Kaffashian

Ali Kaffashian elected as AFC vice-president.

Ali Kaffashian Naeini, the President of FFIRI has been elected as AFC Vice President at the 26th AFC Congress 2015 held in Bahrain today.

The current head of AFC President Salman bin Ebrahim AlKhalifa of Bahrain has also been re-elected for a another 4 years term in the office. Mr. Kaffashian, who stood as a candidate for the Central Asian region of the AFC , would also entitles him to be a member of the AFC Executive committee .

Kaffashian talks to TeamMelli.com

In an interview with TeamMelli.com, Mr. Kaffashian expressed his delight at being elected as the executive member of the AFC ExCo and hoped that this would lead to a stronger representation of Iran in the AFC. When asked about the newly formed Central Asian Region and its benefit to Iran football as opposed to WAFF, Mr. Kaffashian  admitted that the facilities in this region is lower than West Asia and there is a long way for it to reach the levels that can be considered close to the top of Asian Football. However , Mr. Kaffashian admitted that such regional representation is the ideal platform for the AFC executive offices.

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Fate of Uzbekistan Friendly match

On the friendly match against Uzbekistan,  which has been on and off , the President of FFIRI, said “the match is not cancelled however we are looking at better arrangements to suit both teams. We hope that it is finalized before we start our FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.”

FIFA elections

On the subject of FIFA election , Mr. Kaffashian was asked why AFC did not allow the other candidates of FIFA Presidency candidate to take the floor and only Sepp Blatter was given the opportunity  to speak at the AFC Congress 2015 , Mr. Kaffashian said “the decision to support Joseph  Sepp Blatter has been taken sometime ago amongst the AFC member states, for this reason it would not have been appropriate to allow the others to be given the floor in this congress.” The Portuguese Luis Figo and Prince Ali Bin Hussain , two of the candidates were present in the AFC congress in Bahrain.

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Asked whether Blatter re-election will reap any particular benefits for Iran football , Mr. Kaffashian did not have anything in particular to mention. “Did he help FFIRI to recover the blocked  money of Iran share of the World Cup 2014?” I asked, “No, i think that would be beyond him. It is these banking restrictions that does not allow the free flow of funds Into Iran”

Mr. Kaffashian added that the money will shortly be transferred to the Iranian Embassy in Switzerland and from there , it will be transferred to Iran.

The jam-packed congress hall packed with delegates from the 43 members states and a large contingent of journalist from the region.

 

 

 

Nekounam appointed as Queiroz’s assistant.

After the conclusion of today’s executive committee meeting of the FFIRI, it was announced that Javad Nekounam has been appointed as the assistant coach of Team Melli and Carlos Queiroz’s right hand man. In the same meeting it was also decided that the vacant Team Melli Manager position will be awarded to Afshin Peyrovani.

Nekounam, Team Melli Captain and all time record holder of games played ,  has announced his retirement from Team Melli after the last game against Sweden.

 It was not clear if Carlos Queiroz approval or consent has been sought in these appointments.

Iranian assistant coaches’ dilemma.

Although technically speaking, these appointments are the function of the head of FFIRI, Queiroz has been influential in deciding who takes the jobs. The position of Iranian assistant coach has been a thorn in the federations back in which Queiroz has managed to deter all the 3 assistants who were appointed starting from Omid Namazi , then Majid Saleh and finally Ali Karimi. The latter did not last more than a few short months and jumped ship just before departing to Australia for the Asian Cup 2015.

Karim Bagheri was the lead nominee for the assistant coach position, however , the ex-Team Melli midfielder has preferred to join his old Club , Persepolis coaching team in an effort to develop his coaching career.

Unsatisfactory Team Managers!

 The Manager of Team Melli , which is a high profile position in the structure of Team Melli in which the coaching staff administratively report to, has also a source of Queiroz’s objections and discontent. The Portuguese head coach has openly accused them of lack of professionalism, inefficiency and dishonesty/corruption. His verbal assault has been unanswered by those who were accused and charges of corruption never investigated by Kaffashian.

In the bright side of things, the characteristics of both Nekounam and Peyrovani , both of whom are docile and submissive , may help towards enduring their stay in Team Melli and working with an over-demanding and aggressive Queiroz. Time will tell if these appointments, which seem to be a practice of trial and error in FFIRI, will be successful or not.

Queiroz slams the door in Kaffashian ‘s face , literally.

Carlos Queiroz left the offices of FFIRI in Seoul Street in anger after his meeting this morning with Ali Kaffashian. Queiroz refused to speak to the reporters on his departure from the building.

The meeting was supposed to discuss the mechanism of Carlos Queiroz’s resignation and the reaction of the FFIRI. Ali Kaffashian has publicly declared that his administration has not accepted Queiroz’s unilateral declaration of ending this binding contract and deems that to be unlawful!

Carlos Queiroz on his side is adamant on leaving while his objective of this meeting with Kaffashian alone was to finalize the settlement. Unsubstantiated rumors around FFIRI have indicated that Queiroz had put on the table some unfeasible to impossible demands for him to do a u turn on his resignations. The alleged demand is for Kaffashian to sack a number of FFIRI administrators that Queiroz does not like to work with!

Right after Queiroz left in anger, Kaffashian called upon Abbas Torabian for an emergency closed-door meeting to discuss the Queiroz issue. Torabian, who is credited in leading the negotiation for recruitment of Carlos Queiroz and succeeding in closing the deal with him, is currently in Portuguese coach bad books, hence he was not present with the Kaffashian during the meeting.

After the meeting , Torabian denied that Queiroz was the subject  of discussion “I have nothing to do with Queiroz’s case, our meeting was about UHLSports and marketing.”

Nekounam pours his wrath on FFIRI.

 Javad Nekounam was interviewed by telephone on Navad Program Monday night. The poor communication line, spoiled what was supposed to be constructive exchange between himself ,  the incumbent head of FFIRI, Ali Kaffashian and the show anchor Adel Ferdowsipour.

Kaffashian was the studio guest of Navad.

Javad Nekounam stopped short of accusing Ali Kaffashian of negligence when he talked extensively about the lack of  proper support for Team Melli during its quest to qualify for the world cup. “I am not singling out Mr. Kaffashian who has tried to help the team, but at best his efforts were way short of what has to be done for the most important team in Iran that is trying to qualify for the World’s biggest sporting event. Support for Team Melli is a collective effort which has not met our aspirations.”

“All what the Team Melli players have said about that were true (…)  no one has fabricated any lies .” Nekounam alleged.

“Lack of funds meant that we had to do with sub-standard kits that were actually made in Iran. I agree with Ashkan Dejagah on that. Iran’s football league standard is of a low quality of which 20% of that weakness is due the poor quality of the balls manufactured in Iran. The kit we were using was not of a good quality and everyone was dissatisfied with it.”

nekounam AFC Award 2013

Team Melli kit manufacturers UHLsports has strongly challenged what it calls allegation of substandard quality , although the German sports good company admitted that some fake UHLSports kits was found in Team Melli’s kit collections  when an audit was conducted.  Those fake ones were not sent or approved by UHLSports nor did it have any control over it.

Nekounam criticized the FFIRI again by accusing the federation of inattentiveness and disregard for Team Melli players. “After the win against Chile, we expected some rewards, but we did not even get a phone call to congratulate us let alone a bonus.!” The Osasuna Captain said.

Nekounam had no complimentary words for the Iran’s football. He accused un-named parties of building hurdles against Queiroz and working to ousted him. He also emphasized that he and the rest of the Team Melli players are quite satisfied with Queiroz and braved Kaffashian to keep him by using his own judgment rather than succumbing to external pressure.

Nekounam was evidently referring to the pressure by the Ministry of Youth and Sports but did not have the nerve to name them. Kaffashian admitted that he did not contact the Team Melli players but offered no apology or proper justification.

Nekounam admitted that his decision to quit Team Melli was abrupt and without much thought, however, he insisted that he has played his last game with the team.

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 Nekounam has some valid arguments, although none of it is new. However, like the plethora of critics, the record holder of matches in Team Melli is not offering practical solutions nor indicating that he is willing to work on some good deeds to help take Iran’s football out of this hardship, at least within his capabilities.

Nekounam also ignored a very important issue and that is the role of the Iranian players themselves in this chaotic status. Players who are paid professional wages but hey are amateurs in every sense of the word, and that includes Team Melli players.

While the country’s economy and many sectors of society was suffering under sanctions, many footballers were enjoying a luxury life with wages several folds higher than other professional such as surgeons , doctors , university lectures etc.

Indiscipline, apathy, lack of commitment, disrespect for peers and egotism are quite rife amongst the footballers. Areas that have not been seriously addressed by any football management schemes, although it is common knowledge.

 

Queiroz resigns.

Carlos Queiroz has submitted his resignation and was promptly accepted by Ali Kaffashian following Friday’s morning meeting in the offices of the FFIRI.

The move was expected after Kaffashian ordered the release of two players to Omid team while Queiroz insisted that he will be taking the two , Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh to Europe for the two friendly matches against Chile and Sweden. Although none of the two players are fixed in Team Melli , Queiroz has said their presence is essential for Team Melli.

Carlos Queiroz last assignment will be these two matches after which he will no longer be working for the FFIRI.

A source inside the FFIRI has  revealed that Kaffashian and FFIRI officials have been looking for an alternative coach for at least a couple of months now after realizing that Queiroz is playing hard ball and coming up with all sort of justification to end his contracts with FFIRI.

Queiroz contract was conditional and renewable up to 2018.

 

Kaffashian dismisses Queiroz threats,

 

Kaffashian “We will not accept Queiroz resignation if submitted”

 Recent comments by Carlos Queiroz have brought a sharp reaction from Ali Kaffashian, Mehrnews reported.

The president of FFIRI was responding to Team Melli coach statements after the two met to discuss the release of Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh to Omid team.

In the aftermath of the meeting on Wednesday that has uncovered a major dispute within the FFIRI ,  and highlighted the differences between Team Melli coach and his Superiors, Kaffashian stated “Omid team is our priority at this stage. This is a stated policy of the federation. Queiroz has to abide by it, it is his duty to support the federations’ policies and Omid team is our focus of attention right now.”

Kaffashian has called upon Queiroz to be more tolerant and accept some of the criticisms aimed towards him

Team Melli coach had been quoted that if he is forced to release Azmoun and Jahanbskhsh for Omid team , he may not continue working and leave his job. Responding to a question by a reporter on the subject of Queiroz threat , the President of the Footbal Federation, said “ Queiroz is supposed to be a professional coach . He is well aware of our position in regards to Omid team, he has already been briefed about our priority which at present is Omid Team. This type of threat is not professional. We cannot simply agree on his request to resign based on what he has stated.”

On the subject of recent comments of Queiroz targeting the FFIRI Secretary General , Kaffashian said “ Queiroz needs to be more tolerant and accept criticism. He may have been used to my good nature and style, but the fact remains that different people have different opinions that are not necessarily in unison with mine. That does not mean that I will take issues with them or become hostile towards them. Many members of the executive committee have been critical of me personally for various reasons. I have accepted some of those criticisms. Queiroz needs to be more tolerant and patient as well “

“We have agreed and signed with Queiroz that he will be working with us for the coming 4 years. His talk about resignation is meaningless. Queiroz has to be more accommodating, that’s all.”

Kaffashian also expressed his concern about the dispute and public exchanges between Queiroz and Kashani and invited both parties to work togother. “If we do not meet the demnand of Omid Team, then they will somply accuse us of lack of support. I do not want to fall in such situation. In ordert o qiualify for the Olympics, we all need to support the Omid Team and that includes Carlos Queiroz.”

Asked why the two press conference announced by Queiroz and separately by Asadi where abruptly cancelled and if he had any influence in it, Kaffashian with his usual sarcasm said.” It was nothing special really, we wanted to play a game with thy people in the media, and when you were all ready and excited for the conferences, we cancelled it!”

 Old habits dies hard with the President of the FFIRI. He always managed to find the light side of life even during the most serious of events!.

 

 

Queiroz “I will allow no one to interfere in my job”

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A visibly stressed Carlos Queiroz has emphatically and repeatedly announced to the media that he will allow no one to interfere in his job. The real target of this statement is Ali Kaffashian, while also sending a strong message to Kashani and Khakpour in Iran’s Omid team camp.

“A clause in my contract specifically stipulates that the selection of players is purely my responsibility and no one else. It is my job and responsibility to pick whoever player I want for Team Melli and anyone who thinks otherwise is disillusioned.” Queiroz said after his meeting with Kaffashian.

The tension has been rising between Queiroz on one hand and the duo Kashani and coach Khakpour of Omid Teamon the other. Both sides seem to lay claim on the two star players Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakht. The two Europe-based players have played for Iran youth level teams and also Team Melli recently. Omid team managers believe that Azmoun and Jahanbakht are key players in the team and can make a difference in Iran’s quest for qualifying to the Olympics Games Football competition after a 40 years absence. Queiroz has repeatedly said that he is not willing to release the players for Omid team while he has two important matches against Chile and Sweden in the next week FIFA days calendar. Those days coincide with Omid team playing the first stage of Olympic Games 2016 qualifiers in Tehran.

 “I had a meeting with Kaffashian today but I did not allow any discussion about the two players. My positions is quite clear and I am not willing to repeat myself” Queiroz said to the gathering press who have been anxious to know the fate of the two players. The press were alerted of the meeting which was expected to formally announce the inclusion of Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakht to Iran’s Omid Team ( Olympics U23)  which is scheduled to play its first competitive match on 23rd March against Nepal as part of the Rio Olympics 2016 Football competition qualifiers.

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  [column size=”1/2″]  Kashani and Khakpour have been accusing the FFIRI top brass of lack of support for Omid Team. Ali Kaffashian , in attempt to ease the worries of Iran possible failure to qualify once again for the Olympics football tournament , promised the Omid Team Managers that their demand for the release the two young stars will be met in time for the qualifiers. Kaffashian further complicated the issue by publicly announcing the release of Azmoun and Jahanbaksh to Omid team.

The objective of today’s meeting at FFIRI offices was for Kaffashian to inform Queiroz of such decision and the release the two players to Omid team, however , the president of FFIRI did not account for the strong stance by Queiroz who reminded the President that it was him rather than Kaffashian who has the upper hand and the final decesion. Queiroz suggested that his boss reads the contract that his his signature on it. “If anyone is in doubt , then he should refer to my employment contract.” According to Queiroz, and as such putting Kaffashian in a precarious and rather embarrassing situation failing to deliver his promise to Omid team!

A defiant Queiroz in response to a question by a reporter on what are his thoughts about Kaffashian’s statement about the 4 months duration left on his contract with FFIRI , said that he will be honored if Ali Kaffashian fires him!

Carlos Queiroz rhetoric is a sign of one stressed man under pressure, real or imaginary. His defiance, maverick style and eccentric statements have been aplenty recently so are his threats to leave the job if the conditions are not up to his liking.

There is no statement more preposterous than Queiroz’s claim that “ NO one in Iran cares about Team Melli and Omid team , as much as I do!!”

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Queiroz threatens to leave….again!

Ali Kaffashian said that Team Melli Head Coach , Carlos Queiroz has once again stated that if he continues to experience lack of resources at his disposal , he will resign his job as the head coach. The duo have met after Queiroz returned back to Iran from his extended holidays to discuss the future programs of Team Melli. Kaffashian said that Queiroz was concerned with the outcome of the Chile match and once again reiterated that if the proper resources are not available at his disposal , he will resign his job as Team Melli head coach.

Queiroz’s concern is about the possible cancellation of this high-profile and important friendly international against one of the best teams in the world with stars like Alexis Sanchez. The Portuguese coach is counting  a lot on a solid performance by Team Melli players against both Chile and Sweden. Countless numbers of matches and training camps have been cancelled by the federation due to lack of resource. Queiroz is approaching the point where he has drawn a line, where he believes that continuing to operate under such depravity and in constant struggle for handouts to do his basic work , is harming his own reputation and that of Iranian football.

Despite his strong support for Omid Team in its quest for qualifying to the Olympics and his strong backing of Kashani and Khakpour ,  Kaffashian admitted that Queiroz holds the upper hand in the release of Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh. The head of FFIRI said that he cannot force Team Melli coach to release the two players for Omid Team while the team is playing two important matches.

Kaffashian also supported Queiroz against Abbas Torabian and said that “Torabian’s job is somewhere else and he should not involve himself in issues that are not part of his job.”

Kaffashian also supported Queiroz against the criticism of Omid Team Manager Habib Kashani. “Queiroz is doing his job for the benefit of the team and Iran. It is nothing personal. He simply wants to prepare the team as best as he can like many other good teams in the area.” Kaffashian dismissed Kashani’s criticism against his own administration and Queiroz but refrained from rebuking Kashani for his strong words.

Proposal for a friendly against Italy in Azadi !

 

 The President of FFIRI was quoted as saying that a proposal of a friendly against Italy and Team Melli is being studied. Ali Kaffashian confirmed that there is active study and negotiations to finalize a game between Team Melli and Italian National team hosted in Azadi stadium.

“The Italians demanded US$ 1.5 million for the match. We are currently studying a sponsorship deal, projected revenue and other aspects to see if we can cover the costs of the match. If that can be achieved, then we will definitely sign the contract and the match between Iran and Italy national teams will be on.”

Kaffashian was speaking in the aftermath of Iran’s failure to secure the hosting of the next Asian Cup tournament in 2019 which the AFC granted to the UAE.”I am sorry that I could not achieve this for our country. It would have been a great boost for Iran’s football. We tried our best, but we also need to admit that the conditions always favored the United Arab Emirates especially in the marketing and generating revenue aspects.”

Kaffashian said that the AFC executive committee has made its decision in favor of the UAE and we will be asking them why so as to note our weak points and work towards improving them for future bids.”

On the comment made by Queiroz expressing his bitter disappointment if the Chile match is cancelled, Kaffashian said “it true that the match is not finalized yet. We have asked for the contract to be sent to review it.  We are trying hard in order for the match to take place. I can confirm that there is some outstanding payment that needs to be settled to the agency and it has to be paid.”  

 

 

Jahanbakhsh & Azmoun not available for Omid Team.

Jaffar Kashani , the manager of Omid Team ( Iran U23) announced that despite their request , Alireza Jahanbaksh and Sardar Azmoun will not be available to join Omid Team during the qualification rounds of the Olympic Games 2016 , instead they will be part of the Team Melli squad playing two international friendly matches in the holiday periods.

Omid Team will be playing the first stages of the qualifying matches in a round ribbon group along with Nepal , Palestine , Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia in the period from 23rd to 31st March in Azadi stadium. During the same period Team Melli will be taking full advantage of the FIFA day and have already arranged two important and momentous matches against Chile and Sweden.

Sardar Azmoun was one of the stars of the recent Asian Games 2015 where he scored two goals and desevedly has established himself in Team Melli. Alireza Jahanbaksh was less fortunate and was not able to produce the quality that was hoped from, yet this player remains an important part of Carlos Queiroz grand plan in rejuvenating the team.

Kashani criticized his employer FFIRI and claimed that the team is not getting the full support of the federation!. The reality is that Kaffashian has already declared for support for Omid Team in their quest to qualify for the nest year Olympics after 40 years of absence by Iran.

“Because we are not Carlos Queiroz , our request to change the league program has been refused. We have demanded that league to be stopped for one week in order to allow us to take part in the Kuwait camp where we could have played two friendly matches, but we don’t get the same attention as Team Melli gets.” Kashani moaned.

Kashani also bitterly complained about the lack of commitment by the league clubs by not releasing their players whenever they are required by Omid Team program.  Kashani then repeated his usual drama by threatening to resign if  his requests are not met by the federation or the clubs create difficulties for the team.

Jafar Kashani already resigned this same position and vowed never to return to work with this federation after his effort to recruit Zlatko Kranjcar was turned down.  However , to the surprise of many observers, the man did a 180 degrees turn and announced that he is a soldier who will answer the call of duty for the country any time he is required !.

The manner that he resigned and then came back within a few days ,  leaves a lot to be desired in what many people consider the Achilles heel of Iranian football and that is poor quality , untrustworthy and erratic management.