Ali Kaffashian , the head of FFIRI, surprised the media in Mashad by announcing that a meeting will be held on his return to Tehran on Saturday to discuss the future of Carlos Queiroz!

The sudden and surprising announcement is a continuation of the merry-go-around affair between the federation and the Portuguese coach where the situation of both sides have changed so often it has turned into a comical affair. While attending a conference in Mashad , Ali Kaffashian claimed that he has not heard or read yesterday’s comments of the Minister of Youth and Sports in which Mr. Goudarzi lashed at his federation with some sharp criticism of the way it is run. Goudarzi claimed that the employee is leading the employer and running the affairs as if he is the boss, while the passive boss is content with listening to the instruction of his subordinate and abide by it. That was a direct reference to Queiroz and Kaffashian working relationship, but without naming them.

Kaffashian, spoken like a true diplomat and gentleman, said that he was looking up to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and expects their support for the benefit of football and Team Melli.

“Some time ago, we were in the process of meeting to terminate the contract between the FFIRI and Mr. Queiroz due to some difficulties. The involvement of representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports who joined the meeting, in which he declared the full support of the Ministry, opened a new chapter. Based on such statement of intent, we were encouraged to continue working with Quiroz and elevated our level of expectation from the Ministry to provide the support necessary for Team Melli.” Kaffashian disclosed to the media.

Kaffashian stopped short of accusing the Ministry of turning their back.

There was no official declaration on any tangible support that the Ministry has promised, if they ever did, to support Carlos Queiroz demands as a condition for his staying with the team. Transparency has never been one of the strongest attributes of the FFIRI, which was in fact one of Goudarzi points of criticism of this federation.

Goudarzi’s statements yesterday have obviously sent the FFIRI into a panic once again. Without the full support of the Ministry, it seems that the FFIRI might not even manage to pay the coaching staff wages, let alone arrange the required training schedule for Team Melli and the Olympic teams.

For whatever it is worth, we have not heard the end of this soap opera yet. To increase the tension and add suspense to this drama, Calros Queiroz is still banned from leaving Iran because he or his employer has NOT settled the outstanding tax arrears.

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