Ali Kaffashian was interviewed by ISNA regarding the latest developments and various issues concerning football and at the top of it , the concerns about Team Melli preparation, appointment of Vingada as head coach of the Olympics team , his intention to resign and other issues

ISNA: We keep hearing different stories within the federation itself about the South African training camp. What is the final verdict and how true that it is cancelled?

KAFFASHIAN : The arguments in favor of cancellation of the Training camp in South Africa are not solely based on the financial issues. I believe that the Ministry of youth and sport will support us in this respect. The main reason is the absence of several key players from the camp and that has convinced Queiroz to think that any camp is useless without these key players. It is true that we are facing financial difficulties, but if the coach Queiroz wants to arrange a training camp in South Africa, then we will oblige by any means possible.

ISNA. Have you told Queiroz that he may leave after his contract expires after the World Cup?

KAFFASHIAN: No, that is not true. Our intention has always been to extend the contract with Carlos Queiroz. However, it is obvious that if we cannot reach a settlement on the wages and other financial perks , then he will not stay in Iran and will look for other jobs abroad. Personally, I am trying to secure regular financial resources in order to afford keeping Queiroz. What is the use of extending the contract and when it comes to payments, we face the same old problems?

ISNA: How much budget have you allocated for Team Melli preparation programs?

KAFFASHIAN: We need approximately 20 Billion Toman ( official exchange rate = US$ 7.984 million) to conduct our program. Of course some of this amount is to repay some outstanding bills.

ISNA. Have you suggested any Iranian coaches such as Majeed Saleh to Queiroz?

KAFFASHIAN: Queiroz has indicated that he intends to recruit an Iranian coach into work next to him, however, this has not materialized yet and he has not informed us of any name. We have not suggested anyone in particular and we do not interfere in technical matters at all.

ISNA: What is the progress on TV broadcast rights?

KAFFASHIAN: We are pursuing the matter while we continue negotiation with IRIB on that matter. If we do not come to a settlement, we will not allow the TV cameras into the stadium and will follow international standards in such situations. We have researched the matter further and discussed with Majlis (The Parliament) the possibility of giving TV right to a sport channel which will pay for the rights of broadcasting football matches. This is an option we are seriously considering.

ISNA: What is the situation with Vingada?

KAFFASHIAN: We have looked at all options available and decided that Nelo Ningada is the most suitable coach for the job of coaching the Olympics / U23 team. We have signed an agreement worth US$ 360,000 that will be remunerated in 4 payments. We have also agreed terms with his assistant coaches. If the team qualifies for the next Olympics, then a special bonus will be awarded to the coaches.

ISNA: You have threatened to resign if the financial problems are not ironed out , how serious are you?

KAFFASHIAN: Oh, that was a joke I had with some of your colleagues (…)!