Ali Kaffashian has announced that an understanding has been reached with the Italian football federation for cooperation between the two countries football activities at youth level. Kaffashian said that he met his Italian counterpart for the second time in as many years and agreed that the two federation will work closely on many levels particularly youth level.
Kaffashian stressed that the Italians have an advance program for grassroots football between the ages of 8 to 14 and his federation would be seeking the Italians experience to advance grassroots football in Iran. “We hope that the Italian expertise and long history of successful youth football programs are utilized in Iran”
Kaffashian also said that his federation is seeking expertise in Woman football coaching from Italy.
IRIB is not cooperating
Speaking to the media on Sunday , the head of FFIRI bemoaned the lack of serious interest by IRIB to resolve the dispute over TV broadcast rights. Kaffashian said that the IRIB has not changed its position from the onset of the dispute until now and is steadfastly refusing to negotiate any settlement. Kaffashian warned that Iran will lose a place in the AFC Champions league due to lack of domestic TV coverage and such setbacks are serious enough to push Iran back into amateur football once again.
Mehrdad Pooladi is banned from playing in Iran
Kaffashian has also announced that they have asked Carlos Queiroz not to invite Mehrdad Pooladi to Team Melli because of Military Service Issue “I am afraid that Pooladi is not allowed to play football in Iran unless his Military Service is completed or his status is resolved. We regret that step has to be taken as we are following the law but hope that he can resolve the issue with the authority.”
Mehrdad Pooladi was the best Iranian player in FIFA World Cup 2014 according to FIFA’s players Statistics and performance analysis. He is also one of the all-time favorites of Carlos Queiroz. Pooladi is currently playing professional football in the QSL with Al Shahaniya club alongside his Team Melli mate Masoud Shojaei.