Tag: Ali Kaffashian

15/02/2015

The saga of Omid Team.

Iranian football , has experienced some very odd proceedings in the last few years the like of it you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Despite being arguably the most popular sport in the country , the administration of football at Football federation and club levels have remarkably deficient and lacking professionalism and effectiveness. Discrepancies, inconsistencies and contradiction are so common and rife to a level that it is becoming an accepted norm!

Iran’s Football , is the biggest victim.

One of the hottest topics after Carlos Queiroz and Team Melli nowadays is the fate of Omid Team. The U-23 team which is also called the Olympics Team was considered as a top priority by Kaffashian and his administration. The federation declared that the target is qualification for the Rio Olympic games of 2016 and for that purpose , a large budget was allocated and an action plan was engaged.

Naturally, the FFIRI looked for the best coach they can find and afford. On the face of it , Kaffashian with the help of Queiroz found the perfect candidate in Nelo Vingada. The Portuguese had a wealth of experience in football including winning the FIFA Youth World Cup twice as assistant to Queiroz himself. Vingada has also worked in Iran beforehand , hence he had a good background on how things work.

Everything was going perfectly according to plan, including training camps inside and outside of the country that even exceeded the ones given to Team Melli.

And then disaster struck…

The team , in its first official mission , experienced one of worst results ever by an Iranian National team when it was defeated by Vietnam and drew with Kyrgyzstan to be eliminated from the group levels of Asian Games 2014. The tragedy was intensified by the fact that a large number of highly quality Iranian players and stars of their own right, were members of this team.

Nobody could figure out what really went wrong, while the FFIRI in its usual style issued a quiet apology and without any investigation, any accountability and any identification of those who were at fault , carried on as if nothing has happened. For Kaffashian, life goes on!. Unsurprisingly, FFIRI wanted to brush the issue under the carpet , however forces beyond FFIRI started asking questions and demanded to know how all those hard earned millions has been wasted and who is accountable for it. Amongst the people who demanded answers were several members of the Parliament.

Kaffashian , finding himelf cornered , had to respond and act and. The end result of the Asian Games Mayhem was the eventual departure of Vingada and the practical disassembling of the whole U 23 team.

Fighting against time, FFIRI was urgently seeking a replacement for Vingada. Looking for a coach who can take Iran to the Olympics for the first time in 40 years. With the expectations so high and urgency creating a stressful atmosphere, a tremor hits the core of Iran’s football , when Kaffashian announced the name of the new coach.

Mohammad Khakpour , an uninspiring , inexperienced and unfamiliar coach was picked to lead Iran for this task. Khakpour , a former Team Melli player, but never a household name nor and exceptional player. Spend most of his time in USA after retiring. He obtained his coaching liscence in the States where he worked as coaching kids. Khakpour’s CV , does not have a single high profile club or national team. The only club he managed briefly was Steel Azin and then an assistant to Mayeli-Kohan , again briefly , in Foolad Khuzestan.

Between the selection of Nelo Vingada , whose resume says he started his coaching in 1981 and has 33 years’ worth of experience in coaching achieving several championships in different countries, and a lackluster rookie coach , with a few months experienced in a doomed club , there is a fundamental discrepancy bordering a comic act. There were several immediate calls for him to be sacked as the job is way beyond his capability, but Khakpour himself was adamant that he iscapable experienced enough to do the job!

Now, after a few months in the job and following the appointment of Mohammad Mayeli Kohan who walked out of Evin prison to be chosen as the Manager of Omid Team, Khakpour has become brash. After more training camps and playing of several friendly matches , the beleaguered Khakpour has the audacity to tell the media that their expectation for qualification to the Olympics is way too optimistic and unjustified !!.

“After 40 years of not being able to make it to the Olympics, do you think that I can do it in 4 months in the job?” Khakpour told the media recently.

A quote that sums up the quality of the man and reflects quite badly on Iranian coaches in general. No wonder why the fans have lost much trust in Iranian coaches.

Thus , another bizarre event of Iranian football is brewing.

03/02/2015

Is Kaffashian on his way out after recent developments?

In a brief communique, Ali Kaffashian has announced the appointment of Mr. Mahmoud Islamian as the deputy President of the Football Federation FFIRI.

Islamian, who is an industrialist and former University Professor, has graduated from Canada’s Victoria University. He has held several managerial and executive posts mainly in the Iron and Steel industry.

His sporting management background started with being a member of the executive committee of his home town club, Sepahan, then Zob Ahan , before a short stint in the same capacity at Mes Kerman and then finally the FFIRI.

Islamian is one of the unknown qualities of the executive committee. He has hardly figured in the media. His management skill in the industry is well documented and praised, however in Football, he is not been tested in earnest.

The media was quick to relate this appointment with the likely ousted of Ali Kaffashian from his position. Islamian seems to be supported by the Sports Ministry, the biggest behind the scene power broker in Iran’s football.

When Kaffashian was faced with the question if this appointment means in any way that he (Kaffashian) will be resigning, in his customary grin, the head of FFIRI responded philosophically and said “I am not supposed to stay in my position for ever and someday I have to vacate the post. I have not said or indicted that I will resign any time soon, though. Give the man (Islamian) a few days to settle down and at least get familiar with his job before you journalists come up with such suggestions. “

“I know that I have been a big burden on you people, but tolerate me a little more.” Kaffashian said in one of his dark humor.

Ali Kaffashian is a shrewd survivor and has proven a tough nut to crack. He has survived many attempts to oust him from his post by his opponents, of which the Ministry of Sports is the main adversary. The beleaguered Boss of FFIRI , has continued to remain calm and respectful even against the harshest of criticism , some of which were close to personal insult. He maintains his stand of not engaging in public debates or questioning the characters of his opponents, never responding to harsh critics at equal intensity. His self-defense always remains dignified, respectful and well within the boundary of decency while addressing his critics not forgetting his trademark grin. That might be one secret of his survival. Being such a nice guy for some or a person with a “thick skin” to others perhaps attracts some sympathy towards him!

Islamian will be taking over from Ayatollahei who was pushed aside a month ago in a sweeping reform of the football federation.

01/02/2015

Mohammad Nabi leaves the federation.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the Secretary General of the football federation has left his post without much ceremony. The FFIRI has appointed Alireza Asadi as his replacement.

in addition to his post, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi was also the Manager of Team Melli. His last assignment was accompanying the team in Australia for the Asian Cup 2015 and before that; he was in Brazil in the same post.

Kaffashian embarked on a major clean up in FFIRI which included the ousted of several influential figures. Before the list was officially announced, in a hasty response to a reporter who asked if Mohammad Nabi is on the list, Kaffashian answered affirmatively. However, someone seemed to have reminded the head of FFIRI that incumbent Secretary General is also Team Melli manager and the squad will be leaving for Australia in a few days’ time. Kaffashian , quickly issued a correction to his statement and confirmed that Mohammad Nabi was still Team Melli Manager and he will continue his job as normal accompanying the team for the Asian Cup. During the whole of the competition, Mohammad Nabi was rarely seen smiling, not very surprising knowing that he is already sacked and just filling the gap temporarily. Thus Kaffashian , in his usual prowess , has created a fine atmosphere for the man to do his job!

Kaffashian and his administration are no stranger for such disorders and mix-ups and that was confirmed today when Asadi took over without inviting the press core to cover the handover , a routine exercise always carried out by the FFIRI. When Journalist quizzed the PR manager of FFIRI why the journalist were excluded from the ceremony, he replied quote “The press conference hall was full !!” Unquote.

The press conference hall was definitely not full of journalists as the few of them that were present, were behind closed doors.

Team Melli is officially Manager less now unless Asadi is appointed in the post. This is not the ideal situation and creates a conflict between the two posts. Mohammad Nabi was a temporary assignment until the federation could find someone that Queiroz approves of and likes. Not a simple deed to carry out. The common understanding in football teams is that the Team Manager is the top of the hierarchy, coach and others report to him. In Team Melli case, it works rather differently.

31/01/2015

Queiroz threatens to walk off!

Carlos Queiroz, once again, has warned that the conditions under which he is working, is neither acceptable nor rational to continue. In essence he repeated his threat to leave his job.

Ali Kaffashian, the head of FFIRI was quoted a few days back that a renewed negotiation will be started with Queiroz after the conclusion of the Asian Cup to discuss the Portuguese future with the team. Kaffashian has previously announced that the continuation of Queiroz was conditional of the results obtained in the Asian Cup.

On return from Australia, and when confronted by the press about his future , Carlos Queiroz categorically denied that there was any pre-conditions to his contract based on the results of Asian Cup. He also said that he was not aware of what Kaffashian has said to the press! The Portuguese head coach of Team Melli denied any knowledge of bargaining to reduce his remuneration package which was widely circulated in the press. The conflicting statement between Kaffashian and Queiroz indicates that one of them is not telling the truth.

“With all due respects to the Iranian football fans , and despite the fact that I had the most enjoyable and satisfactory time working with Team Melli , I must affirm that under the present conditions and circumstances with the limited resources available at our disposal , it will not be possible for me to continue working with the Football Federation.” Queiroz announced today after a meeting with Ali Kaffashian.

“The lack of resources and behind the scenes event makes it impossible for me to answer the aspirations of the loyal Iranian fans who exhibited confidence in me and the team, hence I cannot continue to operate under such conditions. I went to the federation HQ to give Kaffashian the option to mutually terminate this contract in the best possible mean. I do not want to be the reason behind Team Melli failure like some claim.”

Queiroz has initiated a war of words against local Iranian coaches and in particular, Hamid Derakhshan and Amir Ghalenoei by slandering them in Australia after the elimination of Team Melli in the quarter finals of the AFC Asian Cup. Queiroz also accused some of the journalist and claimed they are leading a campaign against him and Team Melli.

The response from Derakshan and Ghalenoei was swift and venomous. The rhetoric and the war of words have reached an epidemic level creating a partisan crowd of pro and anti-camps. Almost all those who have been quoted on the subject matter where blatantly biased opinions based on their love-hate relations with each party selected by the media according to their prejudice.

There were not many level-headed quotations from those who were interviewed in the media. The press agencies, TV and sport newspapers are playing a major role in enflaming the war between Queiroz and the Iranian local coaches to the detrimental of Team Melli.

27/01/2015

The future of Queiroz with Team Melli is dependent on haggling skills!

After the arrival of Team Melli from Australia, Ali Kaffashian who was in the airport to greet the team and warmly embraced Queiroz, did not waste much time to open the re-negotiations.

Kaffashian has previously announced that the renewal of Queiroz contract beyond the AFC Asian Cup was conditional on the results achieved at the competition. No further details were provided nor were an achievement target announced.

The word amongst some senior players of Team Melli and insiders indicate that Ali Kaffashian , forever satisfied with Carlos Queiroz, is ready to offer the Portuguese and extension of contract , but with a different remuneration package.

The President of the football federation, Ali Kaffashian will use his hardcore skill in bargaining and haggling, to lower Queiroz salary alleged to be the 4^th highest in the world by a National Team Manager. What is certain is that Queiroz will be experience a repeat of the long and winding negotiations of last summer when the two sides eventually agreed on the terms of a new contract, ostensibly conditional on the progress of Team Melli in Australia.

Carlos Queiroz will have a valuable bargaining chip up his sleeve this time with the approval of many fans and experts after the Asian Cup. Whether the team coming away from Australia empty handed is good enough for the football federation is another story. There was no target for Queiroz to achieve at the Asian Cup, at least not publicly. However, reading between the lines of what Kaffashian has stated, he was not required to win the title. That said, the fact that this team did not lose any match, would be a strong point for Queiroz case. Now the Portuguese needs to practice his own bargaining skills against the masters.

24/01/201524/01/2015

And let the Inquisition begins…

The defeat of Team Melli against Iraq and elimination from the AFC Asian Cup 2015 must have broken the heart of Millions of Iranian fans across the globe. There will be a lot of finger pointing on the return of the team, but there is no doubt where the lion share of the blame will be targeted at. It is none other than Mr. 4 Million Euro man coach Carlos Queiroz.

Under the pretext of supporting Team Melli in a major tournament, Queiroz demanded the full and unequivocal support of everyone, including the League clubs and their coaches whose programs have been rudely interrupted for 50 days because of Queiroz planning. Team Melli coach also received support from sceptics who were silenced involuntary fearing a backlash or being labeled as traitors to the cause at such a critical time for Team Melli.

Very few dared to publicly criticize Queiroz’s so obviously futile and dour defensive tactics in the media or in public. Those who did display some reservation did it mutely or in such a shy manner and even then, their viewpoints did not meet with major approvals. It was as if there was a universal plot against Team Melli success that everyone knew about, except the fans.

Vahid Amiri After missing the final spot kick

After this failure , the floodgates has opened. The sports media will have a field day and Queiroz will be under attack on many fronts that will be discussing or reviewing Team Melli matches The future of the Team Melli bench will be also be a hot topic.

Ultimately it is Kaffashian and his men who will decide the fate of Queiroz. The man recruited him and has a remarkable belief in him. After all, Carlos Queiroz has the highest resume of any previous coach of Team Melli. It was a great achievement indeed when Kaffashian managed to secure his services. After 4 years of winning nothing and breaking the hearts of millions, Kaffashian must come down to earth, face the realities and admit that the deal with Queiroz was not as brilliant as it seemed initially. But there is a major problem.

Kaffashian is not truly familiar with the term “Failure”. His definition of success and Failure is different than the rest. In fact we doubt that he has the word failure in his vocabulary. He will neither accept that his work and delivery is a failure nor will he accept any blame for Team Melli’s failures. He already said it several times, that he will not resign his post even with early elimination of Team Melli in AFC Asian Cup 2015.

It will take an operation similar to the American Embassy seize in 1979 to take him out of the office. He is not going to budge an inch.

Then again, Carlos Queiroz himself might decide that it is not worth it. Luckily , his command of Persian Language is not so good , else the reading in the next few days of Iranian sport press would be in itself enough for him to jump ship.

For what it’s worth, Queiroz had a marginal success in introducing three or four new faces in Team Melli in Asian Cup. This is one thing that the Portuguese coach must be credited for. But the big picture remains bleak and is the future of Team Melli under his command. His delivery has been poor and his rhetoric will not change anything anytime soon.

Interesting days ahead, because Queiroz had some great escapes before and is a tough survivor.

30/12/2014

Ali Karimi refusal to join Team Melli leaves many in shock!

Karimi’s snub to Team Melli and his last minute withdrawal without any formal announcement or prior coordination has hit the newspapers headlines in Tehran this morning. The details of the last minute drama before Team Melli departure to Australia are becoming clearer.

Ali Karimi has switched his mobile off 3 hours before departure and was not to be seen at his usual places. Before that, he did not turn up for the final practice session. It was a definite move by the assistant coach to hide and become untraceable. Questions to players and squad members asked by the media about his whereabouts were unanswered. Some players knew more than they claimed but Queiroz has banned any press statements or interviews before departure.

Queiroz himself was visibly disturbed and in a bad mood on arrival at the airport. His usually bubbly character and excitement at such events has completely abandoned him. Even his famous waves and smiles to the media were not there anymore. After reaching the airport departure terminal, he remained in the coach and did not disembark. He was shortly rejoined by Javad Nekounam. It would not be much of a brainer to guess that the topic of concern must have been Ali Karimi disappearance.

The only hint from the squad member of a disagreement or a dispute between Queiroz and Karimi came from one of the foreign assistant coaches who established that there was an argument between the two but he did not think it was of such a magnitude for Karimi’s to leave the squad.

Ali Kaffashian, clueless as always, was the last one to know about Karimi’s disappearing act and after being overwhelmed by inquiries from the press, he admitted that he has no clue at all and only heard about Karimi’s failure to turn up from the media! At least he is honest. He asked the media to be patient until he finds out the facts.

Editorials in the morning sport press of Tehran newspapers have reflected on the decision to add Karimi to the coaching staff, some editors questioning its overall value. Abrar Varzeshi questioned the motives of Queiroz in picking Karimi as his assistant, while Iran varzeshi’s scolded Karimi himself for accepting such a role.

Technically speaking, Karimi’s nonexistence in Team Melli squad will have zero effect on the team’s game plan, strategy and line up. His contribution or influence, if any, was far too limited to be considered a setback for the team chances in the Asian Cup. What is worrying though, is the emotional effect on the team and the tense atmosphere he created by leaving the team. Karimi has a knack of spoiling parties and has a track record of ruining it for others. His sudden knee jerk reactions have left him with a reputation of recklessness and selfishness. His objections are normally dramatic and controversial resulting in unsettling other people around him. In a nutshell, Ali Karimi is not an example of diplomacy or restraint when it comes to dealing with conflicts. His rebellious charterer is not really suited for a successful football coach.

It is this psychological effect that might be worrying Queiroz in Australia. Perhaps he has already realized that his selection of Karimi was ill-advised and was a bad move, in spite of his good intentions such as creation of a good atmosphere in Team Melli with the legend figure of Karimi. This is another battle he needs to fight on top of so many others in Team Melli camp.

One can only feel sympathy for the Portuguese and wonder if these firefighting exercises might take its toll on him, after all a person can take that much pressure. These are the type of concerns that could lose him his concentration, leading to a focus change from on the field matters to off field topics and perhaps some disgruntling. He already has a mountain to climb technically speaking with a patched up team that is ill-prepared for such a major tournament. Now he has an added task of hyping the team and morally strengthens them to make a fight of it.

25/12/2014

“Khakpour is as good as Kranjcar” Kaffashian claims

The head of Iran’s football federation, Ali Kaffashian, much more known for his bizarre and outlandish quotes than his knowledge of football administration, admitted that Habib Kashani knows much better than him in football affairs and Kashani was right when he strongly expressed his concerns about the Omid Team prospects by submitting his resignation. “I have to say that Kashani is quite knowledgeable man in football, much more than I am. We have not accepted his resignation because we needed him although he had valid points about coaching selection” However, controversially Kaffashian said that the appointed Omid Team coach , Mohammad Khakpour , who has virtually no experience at top level football, is as good as the veteran and championship winner Zlatko Kranjcar , who was Habib Kashani’s handpicked choice!

Kaffashian did not offer any rational explanation for his bizarre claim, nor could we explain the conflict between his two statements!

On the Omid Team, Kaffashian also admitted that the results and the performance of the Omid Team were poor and inexcusable. “Without having a proper program, we simply brought in a foreign coach, appointed him and told him to win us the Asian Games gold medal. The result was what you have all seen.” Thus for the umpteen times, Kaffashian unwittingly admits his administration poor management, planning and organizational skills.

Asked about the chances of Iran winning the Asian Cup and lifting the trophy for the first time since 1976, the head of FFIRI in his usual sarcastic tone said “ Our team is very good as you have all seen in the World Cup. What I promise you in Australia is that the players will pass the ball instead of sending the ball high in the sky!!”

In a way, Kaffashian officially joins Queiroz as the two people in Iran that have given Team Melli no hope of winning the Asian Cup. Although the promise of not playing “Ali Asghari“ football might appeal to some fans!

Kaffashian dismissed any notions of resignation from his post if Team Melli fails in the AFC Asian Cup.

“There is no reason for me to resign because of that. I will continue doing my job and prepare for the next stage. I have a 4 years cycle of presidency and plan to serve it. If the general assembly accepts me and finds me suitable, I will carry on for the next 4 years as well.”

The concept of accepting responsibility and resigning due to shortcomings and failures, has not reached Iranian football shores yet. Failures and defeats are quite acceptable to this federation. 2014 was the one of the worst years of failures at all levels for the proud and glorious Iranian football history, all under the administration of the all-smiling and not too serious Ali Kaffashian.

15/12/2014

Sajjadi “We will pursue Queiroz, if evidence is presented!”

Deputy Minister of Youth Sports said “if evidence is presented against Carlos Queiroz violating our values, we will deal with him as we did with others!”

The veiled threat to the Portuguese coach came in the aftermath of the public prosecution of Zlatko Kranjcar, in which the ministry of youth & Sport has accused the Croat coach of consuming alcohol in players’ dressing room!

Nassrollah Sajjadi, like his boss Goudarzi , who has not made any great attempts to conceal his contempt towards football , starting from Kaffashian and his administration to the footballers and coaches in club and Team Melli, has once again wielded the sword of threat. Not only this ministry has said little to praise anyone related to football, it has consistently been hostile and hardly screened their disapproval of Carlos Queirroz and Zlatko Kranjcar.

Sepahan CEO Merhrzad Khalilian with Zlatko Krajncar

The Ministry of Youth & Sports has been widely criticized and ridiculed for their narrow-minded and immoral way they dealt with Kranjcar in which the most basic of human rights has been disregarded by a Ministry. One of the sharpest reaction was that of the Sepahan CEO Mehrzad Khalilian who called the accusation that Kranjcar consumed alcohol in his team’s dressing room as fabricated , fraudulent and uncivilized. Even the government supporting media has been vocal in their criticism of a Ministry that has installed itself as the judge, the jury and executioner of morality cases thereby over-stepping its authority that is the function and responsibility of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic.

After that episode with Kranjcar, while being reminded about the cultural differences of foreign coaches , the Ministry to be seen as applying their own version of law on everyone, now is in pursuit of Carlos Queiroz for the same reasons as Kranjcar!

As if the never ending problems with Team Melli ahead of the Asian Cup are not enough, now Queiroz has to deal with this side issue and this lot!

06/12/2014

Queiroz expresses deep concerns.

Carlos Queiroz stated that he will maintain silence against the allegations by the Under-secretary of The Ministry of Youth and Sport in which Sajjadi accused Team Melli coach of creating a commotion and dramatizing. In a brief statement to the press, Queiroz said “For me , it is difficult to fight on two fronts. One front is the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain and the other front is the domestic and internal elements that I have to fire fight.” according to Mehr news agency sport reporter.

“UAE released 10 military service players for their team.”

Queiroz spoke to reporters on Thursday and touched on several subject of concern. Commenting on the players caught in the military service dilemma, the Portuguese coach was concerned about the unavailability of key players. “Unfortunately, our situation is not good with the players in Military service. The UAE , one of our main rivals, has 10 players on Military Service. However, the authorities there realize the important mission of these footballers in Asian Cup and were given exemption to allow them to continue with the national team. No such favors for Iranian players on a similar mission.”

“In a question related to Esteghlal club and the allegation by the coach and managers of the club that Esteghlal players have been drained in Team Melli and their performance has suffered in the league with the team , Queiroz refuted such allegations . “Why are you asking me about Esteghlal? I am in no position to take about such subject. Like the last four years that I have been here, I refuse to comment or interfere in clubs affairs. Their internal problems have got nothing to do with me. I will only comment about players when they are in active duty with Team Melli.”

“I will maintain silence.”

On Sajjadi’s comments, Queiroz claimed that he has not read or heard what Sajjadi has said about him. He went on a pip talk about pilots and surgeons responsibilities in his rationalization of doing a proper job of his. “I have not read Sajjadi’s comments but in life there are three methods to deal with such events. Smile, cry or maintain silence, I choose the last option.

“We did not have money to pay for the airfare and hotel in Riyadh”

Asked about the recent Gulf Cup held in Riyadh in which all of Team Melli opponents were competing and an ideal opportunity for a close look at his opponents, Queiroz said “We did not have the money for the air fare and hotel, so we missed such a big opportunity to analyze those teams. Anyway, we have no choice but to focus on our own preparations now.

“I have to mention to you a fact that is giving me a headache. Some people think that I am preparing a team in my own backyard for a local competition. They think that Kaffashian and Queiroz are going on a party , they are forgetting that we have the responsibility of 70 million Iranians on our shoulders “

“Look at what our competitors have achieved.”

“Look at what the competitors in the same group have achieved so far and how they prepared their teams. How many training camps they have conducted and how many matches they played. Then compare it to ours. Uzbekistan has sent us an open invitation for a friendly match in Dubai until 12^th December but due to many reasons, we declined their invitation. Qatar has neutralized 7 new players. I have to tell you that this is not a stroll in the park. We are supposed to play in the Asian Cup.”

The beleaguered Team Melli coach said “all Iranians have confidence in this team and put a lot of hope in it. if I was indifferent to the national team I would not have involved myself in program by entering this game. My plan is for the best representation of and preparation for the Asian Cup. We want to go to Australia and achieve a result but only played two friendly preparations games, South Korea and Palestine. What are we talking about here!”.

“We have oppositions within our own household”

“there was a great opportunity for us to improve our standard in the national team, on the other hand there are those who want to take a stand against the Iranian national team. Some of these peoples have a name, the name of Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. But some people present within the household. I do not know what they aim at. Let the national team players work in perfect environment with peace and tranquility prevailing in order to meet the demands of our fans and people.

Doom and Gloom forecast.

There is no doubt that Queiroz has valid points when it comes to dealing with a federation that is always claiming about lack of money resulting is very poor preparation for the national team. There is very little doubt that any Team Melli coach working for the FFIRI under these circumstances is facing a demanding and stressful challenge. There is also not much doubt that there are many critics of the National Team coach, but that is no different to any country in the rest of the world and by this time Queiroz should very well be aware of it.

The buck stops here, however.

Carlos Queiroz knew very well what he is against when he renewed his contract at an extensive paycheck, which is incidentally one of the reasons that the FFIRI is unable to meet its other demands that Queiroz is complaining about.

After the World Cup , Queiroz tore the Iranian federations and government officials apart with his claims and allegations of non-cooperation , lack of support lack of effective management and so on. He declared that he is not going back to Iran and the news was carried by all major news and sport agencies.

Yet, Carlos Queiroz , by hook or crock turned up in Tehran after a substantial and damaging delay in signing , despite all his ill-talk about the football system in Iran !

To make the matters worse, both Queiroz and Kaffashian have publically declared that Team Melli’s priority is not the AFC Asian Cup 2015 but qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2018! That statement in itself, showed how far Carlos Queiroz is detached from the Iranian fans sentiments and aspirations.

Now by a miracle, the AFC Asian Cup is suddenly a priority and Queiroz is preaching the masses about its importance to the Iranian fans!

A further strange statement by Queiroz highlights the Portuguese coach difficulty in facing an acute situation. Claiming that players’ problems at clubs are not his problems is highly unprofessional statement that has no place in modern human psychology of leadership. A player cannot switch from being horrible in a club one day to perfect with the national team the next. If he has a problem with the club, then it is a high possibility that he will carry that problem with him to Team Melli. It is a basic knowledge and understanding of human behavior. Queiroz should start caring.

It is quite easy to feel sympathetic to Queiroz plights as the situation in Iran’s football is not exactly ideal for preparing a title challenging team in the continent’s premiere competition. On the other hand, it is really difficult to vindicate him and absolve him from any responsibility either. Carlos Queiroz is accountable, morally and legally for his work regardless to all those adversities and hardships that he is complaining about.

By repeating these grievances, he is easily falling prey to Sajjadi’s allegation in which Queiroz feeling can be interpreted as “Crocodile’s tears.”