Following public outcry about a series of bungles contracts between the football federations and clubs with foreign coaches, resulting in payouts of millions of dollars of hard currency to the coaches for pre-mature end of the contract, the Inspector General of the Islamic Republic finds itself forced to act.
Gholamhossein Esmaeili, the Judiciary spokesman told a news conference on Tuesday, “it is the duty of the Inspector-General of the country to audit and investigate financial irregularities by football associations and clubs. “
Responding to a reporter’s question in relation to Ali Fathollazadeh and whether it is true that there is outstanding litigation against him in the courts. Fathollahzadeh a former chairman of Esteghlal, who is rumored to be the lead candidate for his old job, was removed from his post under suspicious circumstances. Mr. Esmaeili denied any knowledge of such information.
Asked whether it is true that a government-owned Petrochemical company has allegedly paid the expenses of Esteghlal’s recruitment of a foreign head coach, he said: “I have nothing to do with the club affairs including contract negotiations or details, but I would like to explain where our authority rests. Football is one of the most popular sports among the Iranian youth. As such, It demands that those running the affairs of clubs and federation, in their capacity as administrators and managers, they must take measures to protect the interest of the fans, finances, expenditures, be accountable for their decisions and activities in such a way that, first, they do not waste public money and second, they do not fail, mislead and deceive the younger generation by their ill-action or poor control”
“We expect the football leadership to act professionally and competently when negotiating and signing a contract and ensure termination clauses do not translate in heavy losses.”
The judiciary spokesman emphasized that any misappropriation of the public funds will be investigated by the Inspector General Office, with the guilty parties put for trials,