Year: 2015

11/02/2015

Chile friendly in doubt after Swedish FA objection!

Team Melli’s match against Chile has been put in doubt after the Swedish FA opposed the proposed match on Swedish territory.

Iran was schedule to play two football friendly internationals with Chile on 25th of March and Sweden on the 31st. Both matches would have been in Sweden. However , the Swedish FA thinks that the earlier arranged match between Iran and Chile might adversely effect the attendance of the Sweden vs. Iran match especially if Team Melli is handsomely beaten by the Latin Americans! Such result will diminish the interest in the match , according to Swedish FA.

So , for commercial reasons and in order to maximize the sales of match tickets , Swedish FA prefers to have full and exclusive attention on the match between Sweden and Iran and not divert focus on other Iranian football activities.

With this dilemma, the Iranian side is actively seeking an alternative venue against Chile. Austria is one of the proposed countries and a place where security clearance for the match can be issued without much hassle. The negotiations are still going on with the Austrian side for the Iran vs. Chile match to be switched to Vienna or other Austrian venues.

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.

03/02/2015

Bright new stars light up Asia.

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 3 February 2015

The 2015 edition of the AFC Asian Cup provided high-quality and entertaining football throughout the 32-match, three-week competition. Among the most attractive aspects were the performances of a host of youngsters who put themselves into the spotlight and proved they are likely to be grabbing headlines during the build-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and beyond.

FIFA.com takes a look at five names that shone brightly at Australia 2015.

Omar Abdulrahman (United Arab Emirates)
No player cut such a distinctive figure as mop-haired United Arab Emirates ace Omar Abdulrahman. The Al Ain-based No10 delivered in every department, featuring prominently in each TV highlights reel from the tournament. The Riyadh-born midfielder of Yemeni extraction has a repertoire of flicks and tricks that would be the envy of any futsal superstar, while his left-foot slalom dribbles boast a hint of Diego Maradona during the Argentine’s mid-1980s pomp. Abdulrahman provided four assists among UAE’s ten goals in their run to the semi-finals. His passing and understanding with free-running forwards Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil helped the pair share nine goals, and ensures the UAE will be dangerous opponents heading into Russia 2018 qualifying. Though he made his national team debut back in 2010, Abdulrahman has now made a definitive statement on the international stage.

Massimo Luongo (Australia)
Arguably no one was as influential in Australia’s charge to their maiden Asian Cup crown as Massimo Luongo. So much so that the previously unheralded Sydneysider was named player of the Asian Cup for his tournament-high involvement in six goals (including four assists). That the 22-year-old Luongo wasn’t expected to be in the Socceroo starting side at the beginning of January makes his rise all the more meteoric. Luongo is an all-action, attack-minded central midfielder who likes to dribble at pace, link with fellow attackers and position himself between the lines. The Swindon Town-based Luongo was the only third-tier player to feature in the final, yet his all-round game was pivotal in Australia’s win over Korea Republic. His desperate block of Son Heungmin’s shot in defence was almost immediately followed by a classy turn and strike at the other end for the game’s opening goal.

Sardar Azmoun (Iran)
Iran‘s big-name stars were to some degree eclipsed by a lean, newly-capped striker who garnered many of the headlines. Sardar Azmoun scored arguably the goal of the tournament with a deft balletic turn and prodded finish to net the only goal of the game against Qatar, securing a win which ultimately ensured Team Melli qualified at the top of their group. All this from a player who turned 20 just days prior to the tournament, and who had scored his first international goal only two months earlier. Azmoun, the son of an international volleyballer, was picked up by Russia’s Rubin Kazan at just 17 and has since been linked with numerous major clubs in Europe. The tall and athletically built forward seems to have all the potential needed to be an Iran star for years to come.

Abdelkarim Hassan (Qatar)
Though Qatar exited in the group stage, the class of left-sided defender Abdelkarim Hassan is evidence of a bright future for Al Annabi. Hassan, a graduate of the famed Aspire Academy in Doha, not only boasts strong athletic capabilities but also a natural game sense. Watching Hassan push down the flanks and linking with team-mates, it is hard to believe he is still only 21, though now in his fifth year of senior football. Along with the likes of striker Mohammed Muntari, Hassan represents the vanguard of young players that could form the basis of Qatar’s team when they host the 2022 World Cup.

Lee Jeonghyeop (Korea Republic)
Lee Jeonghyeop proved to be another unlikely star of the 2015 Asian Cup. Uncapped prior to this year and away from the spotlight at unglamorous Sangju Sangmu, Lee suddenly found himself a pivotal part of Uli Stielike’s forward line as Korea Republic marched all the way to the final. Tall and boasting trademark South Korean spirit, Lee netted twice, celebrating with an army salute to acknowledge his military service. The winner against Australia in the group stage and the semi-final opener against Iraq proved crucial goals for an injury-hit South Korean side missing the considerable talents of Koo Jacheol and Lee Chungyong.

03/02/2015

Reza Ghoochannejad parts company with Al Kuwait SC.

Reza Ghoochannejad has left Al Kuwait SC after the club decided to terminate his contract.

The-27-year old striker joined Kuwait Sporting Club on a season-long loan from Charlton Athletics in Last August.
Al Qadisiya of Kuwait and Iran s Persepolis have already shown their interests in signing the striker.

Rumors of the club losing interest started a few months back. The most expensive signing of Kuwait SC was not up to the expectations of their hierarchy and hence the club has thought about offloading Ghoochannejad by January or the winter transfer window. Kuwait football clubs and their FA is unlike the rich Persian Gulf States such as Qatar , Saudi Arabia and UAE in spending on football. The professional players bought by Kuwaiti clubs re normally the ones who are cheaper and lower in standards than the ones that head to the other 3 countries.

Ghoochannejhad played a key role for Team Melli in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. He scored two late goals against the UAE and Iraq in Australia.
Ghoochannejhad started his career at Heerenveen and has already played at Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur, Sint-Truiden and Standard Liege.

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

Australia lifts the AFC Asian Cup.

AUSTRALIA has been crowned champion of Asia after a thrilling 2-1 win against South Korea in tonight’s Asian Cup final.

James Troisi’s extra time strike proved the difference as the home side delivered a performance a whole nation can be proud of.

“It has to be our biggest achievement, we won a trophy,” former Socceroo John Aloisi said.

Massimo Luongo — who was named player of the tournament — further enhanced his reputation as a man to carry the national team into the post-Tim Cahill era by scoring the opening goal.

South Korea spoiled the party by equalising in second half injury time, but Australia bounced back in extra time.

“I’m no good for words right now, I’m just super proud of everyone … I couldn’t be happier,” Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said.

“The courage the players showed tonight was enormous.

“I knew we’d finish stronger. We pride ourselves on being fit … it was just a matter of taking our chances and we did it.”

Postecoglou was thrilled with what the victory could do for the game in Australia.

“I know the whole country will be off their couches and won’t be able to sleep tonight,” he said.

“Hopefully from now on our Aussies can take on the world.”

The only negative on a banner night for the world game Down Under was what appeared to be another serious injury to Robbie Kruse.

Continue reading for all the highlights of the game.

31/01/2015

Team Melli to face Chile & Sweden in friendly matches.

Team Melli will be playing against Chile in Sweden as part of a European tour which will see the team play two strong matches against quality opponents. On 25th March , Team Melli will face Chile , then on the 31 March against Sweden.

This is a great chance for Iranian solid defense to test it strength against two of the world’s best forwards , Chile’s Alexis Alejandro Sánchez, the hottest property in thew English Football league who has transformed Arsenal attack, and in Sweden , one of the most world’s most lethal and artistic goalscorers, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris St. Germain.

Chile and Brazil will meet in an international friendly at the Emirates Stadium on 29 March.

The Swedish FA website has confirmed the match to be played in Swedbank Arena, Solna in Stockholm , while other sources are mentioning the Sweden v. Iran match to be held in ya Ullevi Stadion , Gothenburg (SkySports)

28/01/2015

Ben Williams removed from refereeing a match in Iran.

Benjamin Williams, the controversial Australian referee has been stopped by AFC from removed as the referee of an official scheduled match in Iran.

Williams was supposed to be the referee of Foolad Khuzestan vs. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the upcoming AFC Champions League match, but after the events of the Iran vs. Iraq match in Asian Cup 2015, the AFC has decided against sending the Australian to Iran.

Williams dismissed Iran’s left back Mehrdad Pooladi after two bookings for two innocuous offenses, both of which were controversial to say the least. The second booking was a flagrant carriage of injustice as seen by many independent observers. That dismissal meant Team Melli playing with 10 men for one entire half.

The AFC like FIFA, never admits to refereeing mistaken nor does it condemn them publicly. However, they do covertly suspend or discipline referees in rare cases where refereeing decision raises much controversy or strong protests. Ben Williams is a prime candidate for dismissal from the tournament after refereeing 3 matches in which he was error prone and whistle happy. Being an Australian has definitely saved his skin in this tournament, despite the fact that many of his compatriot media personalities have spoken against his decisions. Williams was not allocated any matches after the quarter finals and that controversial Iran vs. Iraq match.

Iran’s Alireza Faghani will referee the final match while Bahrain’s Nawaf Shukrallah will referee the playoff match. The two along with Rashvan Irmatov of Uzbekistan are considered to be Asia’s top 3 referees.

28/01/2015

Alireza Faghani selected for the AFC Asian Cup final.

The Iranian Alireza Faghani (photo) has been selected to officiate the 2015 Asian Cup Final between Korea Republic and Australia in Sydney, Australia.

The 36-year-old referee will be assisted by his compatriots Reza Sokhandan and Mohammadreza Abolfazli in the match which will be played at the Stadium Australia. Fahad Al Mirdasi from Saudi Arabia will be the fourth official. After having been a reserve referee at 2011 Asian Cup and also at 2014 FIFA WC, Faghani has already officiated three group stage matches and a quarterfinal in this edition. Thus, this will be his fifth apperance.

Nawaf Shukralla from Bahrain has been appointed to oversee the Third Place match, between Iraq and UA Emirates, to be played on 30 January in Newcastle at Newcastle Stadium. He will be assisted by his compatriots Yeaser Tulefat and Ebrahim Saleh, with Australian Benjamin Williams as fourth official.

Faghani has been consistently the best referee in Iran since the retirement of Moradi.

27/01/201528/01/2015

News leaks: AFC awarded UAE the hosting of Asian Cup 2019.

In Sydney , sources have leaked news that the AFC has already decided on the next hosting of the AFC Asian Cup 2019. Two countries have been shortlisted for the hosting, Iran and UAE. Both sides have claimed the support of the majority of the voting associations, but AFC has not indicated anything so far to put some light on the selected host nation. However, the news leak indicates that UAE has a lead on Iran and will be announced as the host in unspecified date.

Most of the work by the inspection teams and their reports are already completed.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said a date had not been set for a decision on whether Iran or United Arab Emirates would host the 24-team showpiece event.

“Probably in 2015, by next year we will decide,” the Bahraini royal told reporters in the last AFC gathering in Manila on late November.

Asked if the decision would be made at the AFC’s Congress in January prior to the 16-team Asian Cup, he added: “No. Some time in the middle of the year.”

The UAE are favorites to add yet another sporting event to their resume as hosts, but the Iranian bid claimed to receive support from FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who visited Tehran last year.

Shaikh Salman said he had no preference.

“No we will leave that to the people taking that responsibility. They have to analyze them and bring it to the ex-co so we can decide.”

Hosting the event involves high cost and limits the number of AFC members who can realistically stage it. Australia were the only bidders for the 2015 event and 11 ‘interested’ bids for 2019 quickly became two.

Meanwhile , Australia defeated UAE 2-0 in the second semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Newcastle to set a date with their nemesis South Korea on Saturday for the penultimate match of the competition.

South Korea and Australia have already met in the group stages , with the Koreans narrowly beating the host 1 – 0.