According to ISNA the newly elected head of FFIRI had a series of meeting after his victory in the election with Carlos Queiroz. 

After the last meeting with Mehdi Taj, Queiroz attended the press conference with representatives of mass media. He began by stating his future with Team Melli ” As you all know, on February 13th 2016 , I submitted my resignation effective the beginning of May. Then we had a meeting on 9th April , where several issues were raised. All to do with my concerns and problems about the facilities and support for Team Melli.  We came to two conclusions. First, as the head of FFIRI , Mr. Taj did not accept my resignation and did not agree on bilaterally letting me go.”

” the second concern, the major concern in my opinion, is that Iran’s World Cup begins June of this year not in 2018. Since Taj is realizing that,  it is now that we have to start our hard work. My job is that much easier when the hierarchy understands the seriousness of the situation”.

Queiroz continued “We have reached a conclusion that priority will be given to Team Melli to ensure success. Our objective is to qualify for the World Cup. In the next 5 months we have 5 games to play which is 15 points and the next year program there is a total of 21 points to be contested. To achieve qualification , we need total commitment in order to answer the aspiration of the fans. . The national team needs to  be together, and those who love the national team must support it, we need to succeed with them.”

Queiroz dodged the question about the events in Ayfmark , the Center for Medical Research and Talent Management , where he was alleged to have used foul language and had an altercation with the personnel there over some activities that was deemed unauthorized. His response was ” I think the question is not important now . Something that is important is that we need to have adequate resources and support. South Korea team has many sponsors for the 2018 World Cup campaign while the fact is that Iranian companies are shying away from sponsorship deals to support us in this  campaign. China in our Group also has great resources. Yesterday it was officially announced that for their preparation, they have allocated  $ 50 million budget. If money is abundant for Team Melli it will be a big bonus that can help us progress. “

If I was  not confident that Taj will not deliver on his promises , I would not have been here and still working for Team Melli.

National coach of Iran in response to the question of the prospects of Team Melli now that Taj has taken over the presidency of the football federation , and if that will differ from Kaffashian’s era when many promises were given but very few delivered. “I am not concerned about the past. I Believe that Taj and Kaffashian have the same ideas . If I was  not confident that Taj will not deliver on his promises , I would not have been here and still working for Team Melli. I have faith in Taj and his promises. I remember that several times at news  conferences I declared that now is not the time for promises but work and delivery”

He added that “next week we will have a training camp in preparation for the Macedonia  game, even with the problems that we face like the Hazfi Cup final rendering many of our players unable to be in the camp. This was not the plan we have and certainly affects the national team. It happened before the World Cup qualifiers but I am confident that the management of FFIRI and football community , should no longer commit the previous mistakes. Our doors are open and we welcome all. Anyone with a good heart and an open mind can say what he wants. Even different opinions are welcome.”

“At least now that we are confident of management awareness of the difficulties facing the squad, and aware that the head of the federation is trying to find solutions to them, our spirit is higher. When you’re faced with two options. The first option is that if you do not solve the problem you’re faced with further problems. The second option is to solve the problem and open the node.”

He continued ” we need to work together now and we’re looking for the best way to prepare national team. It is an unfair to compare ourselves with China and Qatar. They have better training facilities and richer resources , so that is 2-0 for them. They both have good foreign players in their Leagues and that helps them too , so that is 3-0 already. Add to that , the good coaches  in their clubs and teams that will promote them, so it is 4-0. Charter flights for their team and good hotels make that 5-0. However , with our good preparation we will be 6 points ahead so it will be 5-6 for us(…)”

Queiroz added ” With the enthusiastic support of the fans , the players will strive to reach the final with a result of 8 to 5. The issue is very clear. The main subject is the best preparation we can afford and that is how we can succeed. There are two examples in the world this year. Leicester City team was the first example and the second example Esteghlal Khuzestan . I deem it necessary once again to congratulate the team and its coach. With these examples we can keep football alive. You can not buy a championship trophy , it is too precious to be bought. If the championship was paid for, then Real Madrid and Manchester City will win every year. You can take a big step and prepare to succeed.”

Queiroz concluded ” I will prepare an overall program and provide the details at a later stage. The first camp will be held in Tehran and then to Macedonia and unfortunately we have not been able to coordinate our second game. If we can coordinate our second game our players will have  to relax and go on vacation before we start early preparation of the World Cup. “