In a radio sports show yesterday, Mehdi Taj the former President of FFIRI, who is under severe scrutiny and possible criminal charges on the subject of the contract with Marc Wilmots, claimed that the Belgian Coach appointment to Team Melli was based on the recommendations given by the Ministry of Sport!

According to Mehr News Agency, the Ministry of Sports issued an official statement refuting the former FFIRI president.

 “about some issues raised in the radio interview, Mr. Mehdi Taj, former President of the Football Federation, The ministry finds it necessary to explain to the public the role of the Minister of Sports and Youth in regards to Mr. Wilmots or any coach. The Minister did not introduce (…) the coach to the Football Federation, as Mr. Taj claimed in an interview Friday night. The Minister only forwarded a letter originated from the “Cultural Association of Iran and the Netherlands” in which three veteran foreign coaches were identified and this referral has been submitted to the Football Federation for review. This is a common practice for some individuals, institutions, or organizations to make suggestions or referrals to the Ministry of Sports and Youth, which in turn we direct to the federation concern” The ministry spokesperson said in the statement.

To justify further, the Ministry spoke person added: “While anyone with the slightest familiarity with correspondence and administrative literature knows that the term “review” does not mean an order of action, but the final word on the matter and decision-making is left to that federation, which of course means choosing and concluding a contract with individuals team coaches. It is the full responsibility of the football federations, to complete the necessary steps and the Ministry of Sports and Youth has not interfered in the selection of coaches.”

There is no doubt that the Ministry on the behest of the government has been running the football federation. Although technically speaking, the spokesperson is correct, as the recommendation is not an order but if this recommendation comes from your sole financier and backer, like the case in Iran, then the recommendation consciously and knowingly becomes an order.

Many believe that Carlos Queiroz would have still been the coach of Team Melli if it wasn’t to the objections and interferences of this same Minister of Youth and Sports, Soltanifar.

Marc Wilmots appointment turned out to be a serious technical and administrative disaster for Team Melli and the football federation. After two consecutive relatively smooth qualifications to the FIFA World Cup under the guidance of Queiroz, Iran’s Team Melli under Wilmots is risking elimination this time.