Tag: Ali Kaffashian

Kranjčar ultimatum to FFIRI  

The Croat coach has given Ali Kaffashian and the football federation up to this weekend to decide on his  approval and appointment as the head coach of Omid Team (U23) else he will be responding to other offers. Peykan is the prime candidate for the services of the Zlatko Kranjčar and has been quite active in pursuing him following the sacking of their coach, Mansour Ebrahimzadeh last week.

Kranjčar was all set to join the FFIRI as a coach with approvals granted internally with in the federation administrations including the president himself. However, a telephone call from the Ministry of Youth and Sport put a halt to all that. A day after Kaffashian confirmed to the press that Kranjcar is appointed he retreated and changed his wording by claiming that there are a few pending issues!

It is not clear what objection the Ministry has against Kranjcar appointment. Although the international football laws of FIFA prohibits government interference in football and has already sanctioned Iran for doing so right after the World Cup 2006, such meddling and imposition is quite common under the table and behind closed doors. With a submissive and compliant management at the helm of FFIRI, the decision making process of the federation must seek the blessing and approval of the Minister before implementation, else the wrath of the Ministry.

Mahmoud Goudarzai , the Minister of Youth and Sports.

Despite the on-going denials of the Ministry and its legal arm, it is a common knowledge that Minister , Mahmoud Goudarzi was instrumental in delaying the finalization of Queiroz contact until the 11th hours. The Minster of Youth and Sports has been quite active in manipulating managerial and coaching position in its two prize assets, Persepolis and Esteghlal which are authoritatively, wholly owned by the government.

Mahmoud Goudarzi , a former wrestler, was the fourth candidate that was suggested by President Hassan Rouhani to the Parliament for approval as Minister of Youth and Sport. 3 previous candidates of  the President were rejected by the parliament. Iran is the only Middle East country that has such a democratic system.  Mahmoud Goudarzi won the approval by a small margin.

 

Barazay “Kranjcar is the perfect coach for Omid Team”

The Captain of Team Melli U-23 , known as the Omid Team , has spoken to ISNA about the aspirations and the prospects of the team.

Behnam Barazay , the current Rah Ahan player and the Captain of the U23 team , believes in strong preparation games ” unless we play against quality teams for our friendly games to get the big experience , I am afraid we will not be able to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

The young striker , is also confident that the Croat coach Zlatko Kranjcar is the best candidate for the Omid team ” He has coached at different levels, his record is quite good , he coached in Iran and his approach is professional. I believe he is the perfect coach for Omid Team.”

“Although many players prefer to work with Iranian coaches, and I am one of those players , as communication is easier , however a coach in the class of Kranjcar can make a big difference.” Barazay added.

Regarding the recent failures specifically in the Asian Games in Incheon, Barazay said ” The players were under tremendous stress after the Asian Games. In the Qatar camp , quite a lot of work was done on the psychological aspect but fear of losing still causes a lot of stress.”

About his own future career and whether he will follow his teammates Alireza Jahanbaksh and Sardar Azamoun in to Europe,  Barazay Did not want to think about that for the time being although he received an offer from an Arab team. ” All my concentration right now is on the form of my team Rah Ahan. I have  not succeeded in gaining the full confidence of Hamid Estili yet. My goal is to do that. I need to get it right here in Iran before thinking about abroad and becoming a legionnaires”

The situation with the appointment of Kranjcar took another weird twist when it was decided that a committee within the football federation will have to examine the Croat coach resume and give its seal of approval before the coach can be appointed. This development cam up aright after Ali Kaffashian and Habib Kashani confirmed the appointment of the ex-Sepahan Esfahan coach as the head coach of the Omid Team. Many observers are suspecting some interference by the Ministry of Sport who always claims that they have no role in appointing coaches for National Team , but in reality they exert pressure on the FFIRI and Kaffashian to pass their own candidates.

 

Behnam Barazay

Behnam Barazay

Nelo Vingada sacked.

Omid Team (Iran’s U23)  head coach Nelo Vingada has lost his job following the poor results in the Asian Games and his Tax evasion problem with the authorities.

Ali Kaffashian announced the news by expressing his appreciation for the work that the Portuguese coach has done “We cannot continue working with Vingada anymore and regrettably his contract is as coach of the Omid Team is cancelled. We are actively looking at several options and I can confirm tha Zlatko Kranjcar is one of the candidates for the job” Head of FFIRI announced.

For the time being , Mahdi Tartar, Mohammad Khakpour and Hadi Tabatabaei will take over the team training which is actively preparing for the Qatar Friendship tournament until such time a permanent coach is appointed.

South Africa camp might be off due to Ebola.

FFIRI is re-thinking the plan to send Team Melli to the South African city of Johannesburg due to fears of the Ebola epidemic in Africa.

The final decision will be announced shortly, however , an alternative plan is already in place to set camp at Kish Island.

Recently, Ali Kaffashian has visited Chehar Mahal Bakhtiyari and found what he described as an ideal and suitable location for a training camp in Brojan.  The scenic town located between three provinces of Esfahan, Fars and Chehar Mahal Bakhtiyari  is also a popular tourist attraction with high quality facilities.

The only disadvantage of Brojan would be the weather which tends to be on the colder side in the current season while Kish is ideal and close to the Australian summer.

Broujan (10)
Scene from Brojan

TV blackout continues in Iran.

Ali Kaffashian , the President of FFIRI has warned football fans that there will be no TV coverage of football league matches anytime soon. “Those who want to watch football, need to go to the stadiums because we have not reached any agreement to resolve the dispute between us and IRIB” Kaffashian announced after the meeting with Ezzatollah Zarghami the head of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

Zarghami with Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini

When asked by reporters what was the outcome of the meeting between the two parties regarding the TV broadcast, Kaffashian said that they simply exchanged views and no serious discussion on the issue of TV broadcast value was discussed! The meeting was the last one in a series that was supposed to resolve the issue of payment by IRIB for broadcast rights. IRIB strongly disagrees with the FFIRI valuation of the TV rights and described it as unreasonable and beyond the capabilities of the TV and Radio organization. The gap between the IRIB expectation and the FFIRI is quite large while mediators suggested the interference of the government and the parliament.

IRIB is the singular broadcaster in Iran and has complete monopoly on TV and Radio services.   Most of the clubs in Iran are also run, owned or financed by the government directly or indirectly. The situation is quite peculiar in Iran as the government, despite being theological and run according to Islamic principles which translates into free market, in reality the government has direct or indirect in control on every key commercial, business, media , sport  activities  and organizations that have impact on the country’s political or commercial interest. The concept on NGO is hardly applied in Iran while the population is brought up with a mentality of government welfare expectation.

Adel Ferdowsipour , for the first time, tackled the issue on Monday night through the popular Navad TV show. The issue of TV blackout and broadcast rights became a challenge for NAVAD and its anchorman Ferdowsipour who was defied by many reporters to have enough courage and discuss the issue openly on the popular program with tens of millions of viewers every week. It became a question of trust in the program and the impartiality of Ferdowsipour as a person who is looked upon as instigator of many behind the scene issues in Iran’s football politics and the person who has revealed many shortcomings , inadequacies  and even corruption in the most popular sport in Iran.

 Ferdowsipour addressed this challenge and the whole program was nearly dedicated to the issue with the main guest being none other than the opposition in the shape of Mehdi Taj , the head of the football league commission of FFIRI.Adel ferdowsipour

The long debate and exchange of thoughts, ideas and data between the two sides did not result in any practical solution. While IRIB believes that there should be a Broadcast Right for football, it vehemently disagrees with the figures that are demanded by the FFIRI and clearly informed FFIRI that its football standards and values should not be compared to those of Major European luges  like the English EPL or the Spanish La Liga.  A short report in the program highlighted the lack or even the nonexistence of any meaningful marketing activities by many Iranian clubs apart from shirt sponsorships. Instead, the clubs are looking for easy money and the least effort to get that, claimed the report. By receiving financial support from the owners, which are mostly government owned organizations, they are now again extending their hands to the government to receive substantial funds by the way of bloated TV right broadcast demands. “Many clubs live beyond their means. While the incomes of these clubs are negligible in business terms, their expenditure are quite high with millions of dollars payment for players and coaches. When the cash eventually dries out, which is a regular occurrence in Iranian clubs, they naturally resort to government to bail them out.”

The head of IRIB is appointed by the leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamanei.  Zarghami was appointed for a 5 years period by the leader. His mission and goal is quite clear which is to spread the religious ideas/sermons and implant the regime’s ideology into every Iranian home. The ex- revolutionary guard and an engineer by qualification is closely connected to the religious hierarchy and considered as a fundamentalist. However, despite much criticism by the liberals against his appointment, Zarghami managed to improve the services of the TV in many areas but all that falls short of the standards of the media in the west and the democratic nations. When it comes to sport, Zarghami is an avid sport fan, but the insiders say that his favorite sport is Volleyball not football. Whether his leaning towards Volleyball, which has attracted the attention of the sport world towards Iran’s after the remarkable run of Iran’s volleyball team at global stage, has any influence in the negotiations between IRIB and FFIRI is not known. Despite the lack of reliable sources, it is believed that both the regime Hierarchy and IRIB in the figure of Zarghami,  do not believe that football has brought enough glory to the nation despite the huge influx of resources compared to a sport such as volleyball, to merit huge investments and payout. They simply believe that the return on Investment (ROI) on football is poor and much below expectation.

Iran and Italy football cooperation.

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.

“In Iran, experience and reputation supersedes education and qualifications. “ Afazeli said.

Human Afazeli, who was the Technical Manager of the Omid Team that has miserably failed in Asian Games 2014 Incheon, said that one of the biggest hurdles in Iran, and not just in football, is that the society favors , trusts and accepts people with experience and reputation on those who are educated ,  qualified and professionals in their job.

“This type of mentality will remain a big hurdle against development and progress, since we are not utilizing the competence, scholarship and the qualification that is dearly required to successfully accomplish the tasks. Instead we chose to appoint people with experience and reputation without necessarily having the qualifications for the job. Such appointments lead to a lot of trial and error situations which we are experiencing right now in Iran’s football.  There is no guarantee of success, quality & standards or even continuity”

 As an example, Afazeli mentioned the appointment of Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia to National teams’ managerial or coaching positions as proof of such concept that prevails in Iran. Afazeli said “utilizing and taking advantage of the popularity of those ex-Team Melli players would lead to many experts shying away from criticizing such appointments. No one dares to mention any reference to the suitability, qualification and competency of such appointments.”

Afazeli said that both Karimi and Mahdavikia have taken risks. “Without knowing if Ali Karimi is going to be a good coach or not , or even if he has any real intent or interest in coaching , he was dragged into Team Melli coaching team. This could bounce back in his face if the team fails, which is exactly the case with Mahdavikia”

The former assistant coach to Branko Ivankovic in Team Melli and expert match analyst added “The warning bells were there for a long time, but we failed to realize or act. “Group sports are disappearing and so are the spaces for practicing. Football being the main sport has lost quite a large of space and areas to practice and play in our cities. I think in a few years’ time, with the lack of foresight, we might face a real disaster in our football.”

Afazeli said that he put his thoughts forward to Ali Kaffashin in regards to Team Omid (Olympic Team ) failure , but the head of FFIRI had a completely different vision and mentality. Afazeli said that he realized that they are in two different planets which lead him to shake hands with Kaffashian in full respect and resign his position in the federation.

Human Afazeli was the Technical Manager of U-23 team and member of the FFIRI Technical committee. Ali Karimi has been appointed by Carlos Queiroz as assistant coach without any experience or qualification as a coach at any level. Mehdi Mahdavikia has been accompanying youth level teams in the capacity of advisor and mentor without being involved in  technical details. 

Kaffashian “I am stunned and shocked.”

Ali Kaffashian , the head of FFIRI claims that he was absolutely shocked and stunned by Iran’s youth team (U-19) after the loss against Yemen and subsequent elimination from the competition at the group stage.

Iran lost 1-0 to Yemen and 2-1 in the first match against Thailand to remain pointless and hopeless for the next round of AFC Asian U-19 Championship 2014 held in Yangon, Myanmar.

“I was really stunned and shocked by what happened to the youth team . After the defeat against Yemen, I could hardly sleep”

Kaffashian said that the federation emphatically has done its utmost best to support this team. “The Youth team (U19) had a total of 260 days of training camp, Whatever the coaching team demanded, we genuinely tried to accommodate and have succeeded to high degree in providing the support. We supported this team to a level which was not possible with other teams. On top of all that , we have spent a total of 1.5 billion toman to prepare this team.”Mahdavikia 11-84

“To enhance our chances for the best representation of the country at this important level of world football, which we always considered as one of our priorities, we selected the best coaching staff available. Ali Doustimeher is acknowledged as the best coach at this level and he has achievements prove his track record. We also selected Rahim Meerakhori , another coach with extensive experience at this level of football, to work alongside Doustimehr. To complete the formula, Mehdi Mahdavikia was also inducted to help the coaches with his vast experience.” Kaffashian added.

“In general, we have covered all the areas and left no gaps. I am simply shocked at this result; I really am speechless why is this happening.  With all the support that this team has received, why did they get such poor result?  was it the players poor physical condition that did not respond well to the conditions? Did the team have technical difficulties? Whatever the reasons, we must find out.” Kaffashian said with a visible sorrow at what have occurred recently to youth level football.

“Don’t be surprised by the changes that will happen in the youth level teams. We have to act , this is simply NOT good enough. We will never switch off the lights in the federation, the financial and logistical support will continue for all age levels teams since the Asian competition is carried out every two years. We will create an absolutely new team and new players will be invited. We shall l waste no time in doing so.”

Kaffashian also announced that Carlos Queiroz will take a much more active role in youth level teams than he ever did previously. “We will establish a progress plan for all age levels football and particularly the U-23 or the Olympic team. We must qualify for the Rio Olympics, Queiroz and Vingada must work out a plan to produce a competent team that is able to qualify for the Olympics. They need to work well to achieve this.”

Kaffashian also said that changes in Management & administrations of of the youth team structures are imminent. He did not mention and changes in personnel at the higher levels of the federation.

Iran has failed to qualify to any FIFA Competitions at youth levels this year. Defeats in the U-14, U-16 and now the U-19 left the football federation and the team in a state of dismay and panic. The U-19 early exit seems to hurt the most as Iran is a five time title holder of this competition, while the Asian games (U-23) exit was as bad considering Iran’s four previous gold medals.

Nekounam to join Team Melli coaching staff

Ali Kaffashian has revealed that the current Team Melli Captain , Javad Nekounam has been earmarked to join the coaching staff of Team Melli right after the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

“Carlos Queiroz plans to introduce the recently retired players like Farhad Majidi and Ali Karimi to Team Melli coaching staff to enhance the capability of the squad (….)” Kaffashian said in a short statement yesterday.

“Of course Nekounam wants to continue playing football , but he will also be in the coaching team of team Melli”

There was no reaction from the player himself, who is currently playing for his old club Osasuna in the second division of the Spanish League.

 

Will Iran U23 be eliminated before the Asian Games start?

After the humiliating opening group game defeat against Vietnam, a 4-1 result that sent shock waves to many critics, experts and fans in Iran, the Olympic team is under the threat of elimination from the Asian Games , before even the game officially starts. This would be a milestone in Iran’s football, a one which is truly mortifying for a nation that claims to be at the top level of Asian football.

Iran has to beat Kyrgyzstan on Thursday and by a comprehensive margin to assure qualification in what was seen as an easy group.  The Asian Games Men’s football competition draw could not have been any kinder to Iran , as not only it has put it in 3 team group instead of 4 , it also  placed it with FIFA ranking 139 (Vietnam) and 144 (Kyrgyzstan) or no 21 and 22 in Asia. This time there are no Arab teams, who have really learned how to play against the Iranians, to disturb the U23 team progress. Apparently that huge advantage meant nothing as the little Vietnamese showed the mighty Iranians a few tricks of their own, specifically scoring.

Beating Kyrgyzstan at this level is not an easy task as Iran discovered in the last Olympic Qualifiers in 2011. Human Afazeli was the coach when Iran U23 struggled to beat Kyrgyzstan by the tightest of margins 1-0 in Tehran while they were lucky to get a goal-less draw in Bishkek and qualified by a single goal margin. Afazeli is currently working alongside Nelo Vingada as the U23 Team Manager in Incheon.

Vietnam player celebrates scoring against Iran

Defeats in football is part and parcel of the game, but the manner of defeat can make a world of difference and in many cases, it highlights the underlying problems of that football. Ali Kaffashian has been running the federation with his usual grin for 7 years and getting away with one poorly and disjointed organization. According to the respected Amir Haj Rezaei ” the system and the administration of football in Iran is the biggest culprit behind these humiliation of our football.  Time and again, the only victims are the coaches who lose their jobs while those who are really accountable or at least share  a large portion of the blame ,  maintain their power , repeatedly display their incompetence and inability to manage football , and continue repeating the same mistakes. Our football is at the mercy of politicians’ whims and being exploited by them. These are people who have seen a great opportunity in football to exploit it and benefit from its popularity. Without improvements at the top, chances of success are slim at field level.”

For Kaffashian , it is business as usual. Asked about this humiliating defeat in the press conference after signing the contract with Queiroz, the incumbent President of FFIRI claimed that there are no easy teams in the World Anymore! Down deep inside, he was probably wondering what all this fuss is about!

That response by Kaffashian , just about sums up this man’s standard and aspiration towards Iran’s football.  Driven by other behind the scenes, not much can be expected from this FFIRI administration.

Players and coaches, have to take all the burden of competitions in order to succeed.

Iran U23 meets Kyrgyzstan u23 at 12:30 Tehran time on Thursday 18th September.

 

[wpcm_players limit=”0″ season=”627″ team=”738″ linktext=”View all players” stats=”number,name,position,age,hometown” title=”Team Melli U-23 Asian Games 2014 Squad” type=”undefined”]