Tehran
It is public knowledge that behind the scene events, differences, clash of interests and lack of resources are undermining Team Melli. After several recent statements by the federation officials bemoaning the lack of financial support and asking for help , it is the turn of Team Melli coach to air his views about the current situation of Team Melli, reflecting much of what Kaffashain and other have been saying in this respect.
Queiroz was speaking after a meeting with Kaffashian and Mehdi Taj where all matters concerning Team Melli program particularly the critical preparation, or lack of it, that has marred Team Melli program, has been discussed.
“We need support and protection on two fronts. One, the financial support which is absolutely vital for Team Melli and the other one is the technical and programming issues. In both cases, decisions must be made in order for the team to represent Iran well in the World Cup.”
“We must have the ability to carry on with our scheduled preparation as per plan. Unfortunately, the AFC scheduling of matches is detrimental to our own program and clashes with our preparation. The AFC program conflicts with the League, so we need to come up with some tough decision in this respect.”
In a statement that sounded enigmatic, Team Melli coach said “At present we have two choices, either to fully support the team or, we have no belief that the Team Melli program should be fully supported”
Carlos Querioz has maintained that he wants the league and cup program to revolve around the team Melli training program, an idea which is strongly rejected by almost everyone concerned in Iran’s football and particularly the club coaches. Most of the Iranian club coaches bemoaned the long stoppages of the league because of the Team Melli commitments. Such stoppages is undermining their teams and the continuity of the domestic league, according to the clubs.
On the same line, Queiroz said that the decision should be simple. “They have to say whether they want to support Team Melli or Not. I believe that it is the right of the country and the people to demand the full support. Those who decide against the team should be overlooked (..) With the current AFC Champions’ league, we cannot satisfy all parties. It is no good giving us financial support but fail to realize the technical and programming support. I have given my plans to the football league, if anyone has a better program, then let them come forward so we can discuss it.”
Queiroz then appealed to the country’s rulers “I am asking the leaders of the country to fully support Team Melli.” Ironically , this appeal for support comes on the eve when Perspolis has forked out half a million US dollars to get Mohammad Reza Khalatbary from the UAE Club , Ajman!
Finally , Querioz declared that with the present situation , we cannot continue our progress.
Carlos Queiroz statement is yet another alarming sign that the progress of Team Melli is far from ideal. The lack of finances, which is purely the responsibility of the football federation, despite what Kaffashian would leave the public to believe, is quiet a serious setback for the team. However, the disagreement between Queiroz and the rest about the league program which he is insisting on following it , despite the clubs commitment in other competitions , is brewing to another flash point. It seems that the right balance has not been found yet.
Meanwhile , the fans of Team Melli have to endure difficult moments and hope that all these critical issues are ironed out for the honorable representation of Iran in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.