Ali Kaffashian said that they are honored by the Brazil Ambassador in Iran recent statement in his support for Team Melli. “We will present the Brazil Ambassador with good quality Team Melli Jersey”
Senor Santiago Irazabal Mourao, Brazilian ambassador to Tehran , who is a staunch supporter of Pele, Brazilian legend, said that he would support Iran against Argentine, Brazil’s traditional rival, by wearing Iran’s national soccer kit. It is not clear if Mourao will be at the match or watching the match on TV.
Kaffashian was speaking at a ceremony honoring two of the Iranian referees who are selected for the World Cup duties, Alireza Faghani and assistant referee Kamaranifar.
“The Foreign Affairs Ministry has requested some jersey with players and coaching staff signature , which they wanted to giveaway at ceremonies in Brazil. We obliged and used the best quality jersey for that purpose and the same that we will provide his excellency the Brazil Ambassador” added Kaffashian in his usual sarcasm referring to the controversies around the quality of the official kit.
Kaffashian denied that his administration do not want Queiroz , in response to a journalist statement by Queiroz. “If we get the support and I mean the financial support to continue with Queiroz , he is the number one and only candidate we have for the coaching job of Team Melli. We simply cannot afford his new demands without some backing , else it will be too embarrassing and difficult for both sides trying to get the resources from here and there.” Kaffashian responded.
The head of FFIRI also referred to the meeting with the government including vice-President Nahavandi and Minister of sport Jahangiri regarding the financial difficulties of the federation and the budget deficit. Kaffashian uttered the customary statement “It was a fruitful meeting and they promised to help.:. Of course , that has been said more than a few times with the government yet to inject any funds into the federation’s budget. In fact , Jahangiri was ultra critical of football federations lavish expenditure and demanded that they tighten the belt.
on the rumors that Mohammad Dadkan will take over the Presidency of the Football Federation after the Wold Cup , Kaffashian responded “After the World Cup and for the next 20 months , I will be the President of the federation according to the rules. After that , there will be an election. Anybody wins the most vote , I will gladly hand over my post to him. Till then , I am the President.”
Kaffashian has already expressed his interest to run for another term…..Heaven help us all.
reg