Tag: Alireza Jahanbakhsh

"Fear, Favoritism, and Failure" – Abedini's Brutal Verdict on Iran's World Cup Collapse

Amir Abedini, a veteran football administrator with years of experience at Persepolis, the Football Federation, and across various sports and political roles, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Team Melli's World Cup campaign. In an exclusive interview with IRNA's sports reporter, Abedini delivers a damning analysis of Iran's failure to advance to the Round of 32, pointing to a lack of planning, technical incompetence, and a culture of fear that permeates the national team setup. According to Abedini, had the head coach shown even a modicum of boldness, Iran would now be preparing for a showdown with Switzerland—not packing their bags for Tehran.

Q: Two days after Team Melli's elimination, we want to analyze the reasons for failing to reach the second round. Is three points from three matches and an unbeaten campaign acceptable, or is it a failure?

A: When we achieve a positive result, we bask in the glory and everyone rushes to congratulate one another. We convince ourselves that everything is fine. But God forbid we fail—then we pivot sharply in the opposite direction. We blame the earth and the sky, fabricating excuses for local consumption. We must learn to be self-critical before pointing fingers at external factors. That is where growth begins.

I believe we need fundamental changes and developments in our football. Perhaps, if someone with real decision-making power steps forward, they will make the tough choices for the future. Time is passing quickly, and in four years, we will be at the World Cup again. The question is whether we will be any better prepared.

Q: You haven't explicitly stated whether the team's performance was appropriate or not.

A: I have a question that I have yet to find an answer to: Why are we so easily satisfied with such results? We are capable of so much more than celebrating mediocrity. Do we truly want to qualify for a 48-team tournament and then be content with a ranking below 32 teams? Should we really pat ourselves on the back simply because we remained unbeaten? That is not success—it is delusion.

Q: In your opinion, what are the reasons we couldn't go one step further?

A: The national team's management and organization were fundamentally flawed. The Football Federation's structure is contaminated at its core—contaminated by interference from those who have no business meddling in football affairs. I am referring to certain individuals ( Abedini is referring to the Minister of Sports) who have imposed their will on the federation, dictating terms like, "If this happens, we won't go to the tournament," or "If such and such occurs, we will go." Federations are specialized entities. Iranian football is rich with expertise and elite talent. If we fail to utilize them in development or management, the problem lies at the top, with those who cannot recognize talent. If anyone claims there are no experts in Iranian football, I will tell them they are wrong. We have the knowledge and the experience, we simply lack the will to use them effectively.

Q: What should the Football Federation have done that it didn't do?

A: Did the Football Federation, months before the tournament, establish a dedicated headquarters or committee for the World Cup? If they did, what tangible operations were carried out? If it was effective, why did we face such a chaotic margin of error? I acknowledge that the country has been grappling with critical conditions, but let's not forget: we fought a madman for eight years—a regime that used chemical weapons and unleashed unimaginable horrors upon us. Yet we lived, we traveled, we held competitions, and we won championships. Adversity is no excuse for incompetence.

Q: At the beginning of your interview, you mentioned that when we fail, we weave together earth and sky to justify our shortcomings. Can you provide concrete examples from this World Cup?

A: This pattern has repeated itself countless times, but let me give you a specific example from this tournament. Before we ask why the penalty was missed, let's discuss why Shoja's goal was ruled offside. We fail to see our own shortcomings. We leave some of our greatest players at home, pinning all our hopes on Mr. Taremi. Look at the penalty moment: Taremi stands behind the ball, and instead of concentrating and taking a deep breath, he is adjusting his eyebrows. A player of his caliber, with the nation's hopes resting on his shoulders, and his focus is on his appearance? Watch his body language. The result? A feeble penalty that was easily saved. The Egyptian goalkeeper made mistakes—many of them, but we couldn't capitalize. It's as if we didn't want to.

Q: Your phrase "we didn't want to" carries deep meaning. It suggests the technical staff was more concerned with preserving their unbeaten record than with winning.

A: Exactly. We could have qualified for the next round without relying on other teams' results, but we squandered every opportunity. Should we have drawn the first match? No—we should have put all our concentration and strategy into defeating New Zealand. That was the winnable game. And look at the final 10 minutes against Egypt—when Ghalenoei finally allowed the players to express themselves, we pushed Egypt back. But why only in the final minutes? He was afraid. He was terrified. Why bring on Alireza Jahanbakhsh in the 90th minute? If you need attacking speed, why not introduce him in the 80th minute? Why wasn't Ghaedi given meaningful minutes? It was this fear and panic that caused our defenders to remain static, playing only 10 minutes of actual football in the second half. The coach's caution was our undoing.

Q: Are you suggesting we could have beaten both Belgium and Egypt? Weren't they formidable opponents?

A: Fortunately, we haven't contracted Alzheimer's—we haven't forgotten Ghalenoei's own words. After the draw, he was ecstatic, confidently declaring that Iran could advance from the group stage. Before the tournament, he promised at least five points. Was Belgium the same formidable force we expected? And was Egypt truly a solid team when they had to withdraw Mohamed Salah due to injury?

A. Let me be blunt: if Firouz Karimi had been on the bench, he would have made bolder decisions. He understands football and would have seized the opportunity to guide this team into the top 20. If the former Team Melli coach, Maeli-Kohan, were still in charge, he would have instilled an attacking mentality. Our technical staff focuses only on their own substitutions, but the likes of Firouz Karimi, Carlos Queiroz, Stanko, Ivic, and Skocic all had the ability to read and react to the opposition's tactical shifts. Egypt effectively said to us, "Come and score if you can." And we didn't. After the match, we were left stunned, once again blaming God for our failures, as if He alone is responsible for our lack of preparation.

Q: Do you believe the decisions of the technical staff were a primary reason for the elimination?

A: Absolutely. We had zeal and grit, but we lacked a coherent plan. Here's a question: Can anyone explain why Roozbeh Cheshmi was taken to the World Cup? He was injured! Couldn't we have taken a young, promising player in his place? Are we taking tourists on a recreational tour? This is elite sport, even if you are Hassan Yazdani, World and Olympic Champion, if you are injured, you cannot compete. Why waste a valuable squad spot on a player who cannot contribute?

Q: What do you think was the real reason for selecting Cheshmi and other questionable choices?

A: When Jahanbakhsh, as captain, was unable to attend a particular ceremony, they substituted him with Cheshmi. Now, they had to return the favor. They felt obliged to take Cheshmi—even if he had to be carried on crutches. This is not selection based on merit; it is selection based on patronage.

  • Abedini Exposes the Rot: "We Took Tourists, Not Footballers, to the World Cup"

Q: Are you referring to the internal politics of the Football Federation?

A: I have already spoken on this matter. Those who need to understand, already know exactly what I mean.

Q: You have addressed both managerial and technical deficiencies. Frankly, do you believe Iran should retain Ghalenoei or appoint a new head coach? For context, the South Korean coach, despite securing three points, offered his resignation after elimination.

A: I believe we need changes and development in our football. If decision-makers act wisely, they will plan for the future, as time passes quickly and in four years we will be at the World Cup again. I looked at the map and saw that everyone else had advanced. We are Iran; we shine on that map. We will qualify under any circumstances, but we must plan strategically once and for all. For 20 years, we have dreamed of reaching the World Cup, and for 20 years, we have hoped to reach the next round. Look at Japan, they have built a sustainable footballing culture. We should follow their example.

Q: Do you anticipate any changes?

A: Change is inevitable. The mentality must shift; innovation and planning are essential. You cannot continue running football in this haphazard manner. I believe changes will come, because they must.

Jahanbakhsh Joins the Century Club: Iran's Tenth Player to Reach 100 Caps

Alireza Jahanbakhsh has officially joined the illustrious century club for Team Melli, earning his 100th international cap after coming on as a substitute in Iran's Group G match against Belgium on Sunday, 21 June, at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 32-year-old winger, who is currently under contract with a Belgian club, has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning 12 years and 5 months at the international level. Over that period, he has represented several prominent European clubs, including Feyenoord in the Netherlands and Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.

Jahanbakhsh holds a unique place in football history as the only Iranian player to have won the Eredivisie's Top Scorer award. During the 2017–18 season while playing for AZ Alkmaar, he netted 21 goals to finish as the league's leading marksman—becoming the first Asian player ever to top the scoring charts in a major European league. The achievement remains a landmark moment for Iranian football on the continental stage.

With this milestone appearance, Jahanbakhsh becomes the tenth Iranian player to reach 100 caps for the national team. He now takes his place among an elite group of Iranian football legends, a list headlined by:

  • Javad Nekounam – 151 caps
  • Ali Daei – 149 caps (and the world's all-time leading international goalscorer)
  • Ehsan Hajsafi – currently among the most capped active players

The achievement is a testament to Jahanbakhsh's longevity, professionalism, and enduring value to Team Melli—a player who has evolved from a promising young talent into a seasoned veteran and a source of pride for Iranian football.

Statistics: Team Melli

Alireza Jahanbakhsh Seeks Revival with Surprise Move to Belgian Strugglers Dender

In a move that underscores a pivotal juncture in his career, Iranian international winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh has signed a one-year contract with Belgian Pro League club FC Dender, with an option for a further year. The signing concludes a period of unemployment for the 32-year-old after his departure from Eredivisie side Heerenveen.

A Career of Highs and Lows

The official announcement from Dender highlighted the "wealth of experience" Jahanbakhsh brings to the squad. Indeed, his career trajectory has been a rollercoaster. After making his name in the Netherlands with NEC Nijmegen, his prolific spell at AZ Alkmaar culminated in a historic achievement: becoming the first Asian player to finish as the Eredivisie's top scorer in the 2017-18 season, netting 21 goals for AZ.

This golden boot win earned him a high-profile, multi-million euro transfer to the English Premier League's Brighton & Hove Albion. However, his time in England was largely underwhelming, as he struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the league. Seeking to rediscover his form, he returned to the Netherlands, first with Feyenoord and later with Heerenveen, but was unable to consistently replicate the goal-scoring prowess of his peak years.

On the international stage, Jahanbakhsh has been a fixture for Team Melli, earning 95 caps and scoring 17 goals. He has represented Iran at two FIFA World Cups (2018 and 2022) and multiple AFC Asian Cups, often playing a key role in the team's attacking line.

Jahanbakhsh scoring vs Oman

A Move Born of Necessity

The sporting context of this transfer is stark. FC Dender is currently in a dire situation, sitting at the very bottom of the Belgian Pro League table without a single win after 13 matches, having secured only four points from four draws. For a player of Jahanbakhsh's former stature, a move to a club fighting relegation is a clear step down.

This decision is widely seen as a direct consequence of the intense scrutiny over his recent standing with the Iranian national team. For months, Jahanbakhsh had been selected for Team Melli by head coach Amir Ghalenoei despite being a free agent and visibly lacking match fitness and sharpness.

The Team Melli Controversy: A Note on Recent Poor Form and Selection Debate

Jahanbakhsh's inclusion in recent national team squads has been one of the most contentious issues of Amir Ghalenoei's tenure. While other Iranian attackers were performing regularly for their clubs, Jahanbakhsh, without a team, was consistently named to the squad and often granted significant playing time.

This policy sparked significant backlash. Reports from the Team Melli camp suggested growing discontent among players and staff, with accusations of favoritism and nepotism leveled at Ghalenoei. Critics argued that it was demoralizing for in-form players to be benched in favor of one who was effectively on an extended leave.

The pressure from the media and, reportedly, from within the squad, reached a boiling point. It is believed that Ghalenoei was forced to issue an ultimatum to Jahanbakhsh: find a club or be left out of future national team selections. The move to Dender, therefore, appears to be a direct response to this pressure. For Jahanbakhsh, the priority was not the prestige of the club, but simply being registered as a professional player to maintain his international eligibility.

An Uncertain Future

For FC Dender, the signing is a low-risk gamble on a player hoping to rediscover his form and leadership. For Alireza Jahanbakhsh, it is a desperate attempt to rescue his place in the national team and prove he can still compete at a professional level. Whether this move to the bottom of the Belgian league will be the launchpad for a career renaissance or simply a last resort before an inevitable decline remains to be seen. All eyes will now be on whether this move is enough to secure his spot in Team Melli for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Jahanbakhsh's Embarrassing Foul Highlights Ghalenoei's Failing Strategy

The recent international friendly against Russia not only ended in a 2-1 loss for Iran but also exposed a deepening crisis within Team Melli, one rooted in the repeated poor judgment of head coach Amir Ghalenoei. The central emblem of this failure was the embarrassing and dangerous performance of Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Jahanbakhsh, who has been without a club since his contract with SC Heerenveen was terminated after a single, unremarkable season, was a liability from the moment he stepped onto the pitch as a substitute. His 20-minute cameo was widely described on social media as "confused," "ineffective," and "agitated," culminating in one of the ugliest scenes in recent Team Melli history.

The Incident: A Moment of Shocking Ill-Discipline

During the second half, Jahanbakhsh recklessly raised his foot high, making direct and dangerous contact with the head of Russian defender Lechi Sadulayev. The foul was so egregious that a straight red card was the only appropriate outcome by any standard of the game. To the shock of fans and the Russian team alike, the referee only produced a yellow.

The result was stark: Sadulayev lay in clear agony, the stud marks from Iran’s captain visibly etched on his face and neck as he received treatment. This moment was not merely a lapse from a veteran player; it was a symptom of a deeper sickness within the squad—a lack of discipline and professionalism that falls directly at the feet of the manager.

Ghalenoei's Culpability in a Deepening Crisis

This incident is not an isolated one. Under Ghalenoei's tenure, the Iranian national team has been plagued by discipline issues, amassing a concerning seven red cards. Jahanbakhsh's foul should have been the eighth, and it underscores a pattern of tactical and selection weakness.

The core of the problem is Ghalenoei's baffling persistence with Jahanbakhsh. The captain has been in a spiral of declining form for at least two seasons and, critically, has been without a club for nearly six months. A fundamental principle of international football is that players must be fit, in form, and actively competing. By selecting a rusty, unattached player, Ghalenoei not only set Jahanbakhsh up to fail but also knowingly introduced a liability into the team.

The foul itself, while lacking obvious ill intent, was a direct product of this rustiness and a complete lack of match sharpness—a flaw for which the coach is entirely culpable. This repeated poor judgment in player selection points to a tactical weakness that extends beyond a single game; it reflects a stubborn refusal to build a squad based on merit and current ability.

Unsurprisingly, this episode has intensified calls from fans and experts for the 35-year-old Jahanbakhsh to retire from international duty. However, the larger demand is for accountability from the dugout. Until Ghalenoei is held responsible for his failing strategy and misguided loyalty to underperforming veterans, Team Melli's progress will remain stalled.

Iran's Title Defense: Ghalenoei Bets on Experience for CAFA Nations Cup 2025


Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has named a seasoned 27-man squad for Iran’s upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025 title defense, opting for continuity and experience over a significant generational shift. The tournament will be held in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from August 29th.

Despite the general perception of the CAFA region's modest competitive level—with Uzbekistan being the clear exception—Ghalenoei has largely stuck with his established core. The squad is a blend of veteran internationals and a select few emerging talents from the Iranian Premier League, signaling a clear intent to retain the trophy won against Uzbekistan in the 2023 final.

The team's preparations are hampered by significant absences. Key stars such as Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghaedi, and Ali Gholizadeh are all sidelined due to injury, while first-choice goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is out through suspension. These omissions have undoubtedly diluted the squad's overall strength.

Navigating the Group Stage

Team Melli’s campaign begins with a match against Afghanistan, a fixture they will be expected to win comfortably. The following games against India and hosts Tajikistan are anticipated to present progressively tougher challenges. However, the ultimate test is expected to be a potential final rematch against a strong Uzbek side.

Concerns Over Key Figures

The squad list reveals concerns regarding the fitness and form of its leadership. Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh is currently without a club, having yet to secure a contract for the new European season. With transfer windows beginning to close, his match sharpness remains a major question mark.

Meanwhile, vice-captain and team star Mehdi Taremi finds himself in a difficult situation at Inter Milan. Despite his high-profile move, the striker has been relegated to train with the club’s U23 side and has been excluded from the senior squad as the Italian giants seek a buyer for him.

Alireza Jahanbaksh heading against Hunt of UAE

Squad Composition

The selection highlights the dominance of Iran’s domestic league, with the country's top clubs providing the bulk of the players.

  • Sepahan: 6 players
  • Esteghlal: 5 players
  • Persepolis: 4 players
  • Tractor: 3 players
  • Other Clubs: The remainder of the squad is drawn from other domestic teams and includes three players from UAE's Etihad Kalba.

The Full 27-Player Squad:


GOALKEEPERS:
1- Payam Niazmand - 30 years -(Persepolis),
2- Nima Mirzad - 28 years - (Mes Rafsanjan),
3- Seyed Hossein Hosseini - 33 years- (Sepahan)

Defenders:

4- Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan - 31 years- (Persepolis),
5-Mohammad Naderi - 28 years - (Tractor),
6- Aref Aghasi - 28 years - (Esteghlal),
7-Ramin Rezaeian -35 years- (Esteghlal),
8- Ali Nemati -29 years- (Foolad),
9- Omid Noorafkan -28 years- (Sepahan),
10- Amin Hezbavi - 22 years- (Sepahan),
11- Aria Yousefi -23 years- (Sepahan),

Midfielders:

12- Mohammad Mohebi - 26 years- (Rostov, Russia),
13- Mehdi Hasheminejad - 24 years- (Tractor)
14- Saman Ghodoos -31 years- (Etihad Kalba UAE),
15- Mehdi Mohebi -25 years- (Etihad Kalba UAE),
16- Mohammad Khodabandelou -25 years- (Presepolis),
17- Rouzbeh Cheshmi -32 years- (Esteghlal),
18- Alireza Koushki -25 years- (Esteghlal),
19- Mohammad Ghorbani -23 years- (Al-Wahda, UAE),
20- Mehdi Tikdari Nejad - 29 years- (Sepahan),
21- Alireza Jahanbakhsh - 32 years- (No Club),

Forwards:

22-Mehdi Taremi -33 years- (Inter Milan, Italy),
23- Mehran Ahmadi - 27 years- (Esteghlal),
24- AmirHossein Hosseinzadeh - 24 years- (Tractor)
25- Ali Alipour -29 years- (Persepolis),
26- Shahriyar Moghanlou - 30 years- (Ittihad Kalba , UAE),
27- Majid Aliyari -29 years- (Sepahan)

Alireza Jahanbakhsh's career at crossroads!

The Premature Decline of Iran’s Football Captain: From Dutch Stardom to Cypriot Obscurity?

Once hailed as Iran’s brightest European export, Alireza Jahanbakhsh now faces a career trajectory that can only be described as a rapid and perplexing decline. At 31, the captain of Iran’s national team finds himself without a club, with rumors linking him to a move to Cyprus’s Apollon—a team that finished last season with a modest record of 12 wins, 10 draws, and 14 losses. For a player who was once the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie, this potential move underscores a staggering fall from grace.

The Rise and Fall of a Former Star

Jahanbakhsh’s peak came in the 2017-18 season when he netted 21 goals for AZ Alkmaar, becoming the first Asian player to claim the Eredivisie Golden Boot. His achievement was historic, sparking pride across Iranian football. Yet, what followed was a series of missteps and unfulfilled potential.

His £17 million move to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018—a then-club-record fee—turned into a nightmare. Over three Premier League seasons, he managed just two league goals, with his shots on target failing to reach double digits. A return to the Netherlands with Feyenoord offered brief respite, but his subsequent transfer to Heerenveen, a mid-table side, raised eyebrows. Even more telling was Jahanbakhsh’s admission that he sought to extend his stay in the Netherlands primarily for passport eligibility—hardly the ambition expected of a player once destined for greater heights.

A National Team Paradox

Despite his club struggles, Jahanbakhsh has remained a staple in Iran’s national team under manager Amir Ghalenoui, even earning call-ups while unattached to any club. Yet, his performances in Team Melli have drawn increasing criticism, with fans questioning whether loyalty has outweighed merit.

A Bitter Irony

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Jahanbakhsh’s decline is the contrast between his past advocacy for Iranian players in Europe’s elite leagues and his own fading relevance. While Uzbek and Kazakh teenagers secure contracts with Manchester City and Chelsea, Iran’s former golden boy now faces the prospect of Cypriot football—a league far removed from the prestige he once embodied.

What Comes Next?

At 31, time is running out for a career revival. Whether Jahanbakhsh can rediscover even a fraction of his past brilliance remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: unless he finds a way to reverse this downward spiral, his legacy risks being defined not by his historic Eredivisie triumph, but by a premature and disappointing decline.

Jahanbakhsh’s Downfall: A Case Study in Wasted Potential

From Dutch Stardom to Premier League Flop

Jahanbakhsh’s 21-goal season with AZ Alkmaar in 2017-18 should have been the launchpad for a stellar European career. Instead, his £17 million move to Brighton became a cautionary tale. Hindered by tactical mismatches, physical demands, and a lack of confidence, he managed just two Premier League goals in three seasons. Unlike Japanese or South Korean players who adapt and grow in Europe, Jahanbakhsh regressed—raising concerns about whether Iranian players receive the right preparation for top-tier football.

Why Do Iranian Players Struggle in Europe?

While Japan and South Korea consistently export world-class talents (Son Heung-min, Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo), Iran’s European exports often flame out prematurely. Several key factors explain this trend:

1. Poor Career Planning & Agent Influence

Many Iranian players prioritize immediate financial gains over long-term development. Unlike Japanese stars who carefully choose clubs with playing time guarantees (e.g., Mitoma’s move to Brighton after Belgian development), Iranians often join unstable leagues (Qatar, UAE) or make premature jumps to Europe without proper scouting. Agents sometimes push for lucrative but ill-fitting transfers, harming careers.

Example: Sardar Azmoun, despite Bundesliga interest, chose Rubin Kazan for money—delaying his top-five league breakthrough until his late 20s.

2. Lack of Adaptability

European football demands tactical flexibility, physical endurance, and mental resilience—areas where many Iranian players struggle. Jahanbakhsh’s failure at Brighton stemmed partly from his inability to adjust to the Premier League’s intensity. Similarly, Mehdi Taremi, despite success in Portugal, faced criticism for inconsistency in high-pressure matches.

Contrast: South Korea’s Lee Kang-in thrived at Mallorca and PSG by adapting quickly—something few Iranians manage.

3. Weak Domestic Development

Iran’s Pro League lacks modern training methods, sports science, and competitive depth. Even in Asian Iran's club football is in the fourth of fifth tier of the continent. While Japan’s J-League and South Korea’s K-League actively prepare players for Europe, Iran’s league remains insular. Young talents like Allahyar Sayyadmanesh show promise but often move too early (e.g., his failed Fenerbahçe stint).

4. National Team Pressure vs. Club Form

Iranian players often perform better for the national team than their clubs—partly due to emotional motivation but also because domestic expectations overshadow individual growth. Jahanbakhsh remains a national team regular despite poor club form, reducing his urgency to improve.

Can the Next Generation Break the Cycle?

A few young Iranians offer hope. However, unless Iran improves:

  • Youth development (modern coaching, exposure to European academies)
  • Smart transfers (avoiding money-driven moves to weak leagues)
  • Mental & physical preparation (sports psychology, fitness regimes)

…the cycle of unfulfilled potential will continue.

Conclusion: Jahanbakhsh’s Legacy—A Warning or a Wake-Up Call?

Jahanbakhsh’s decline isn’t just his own—it mirrors systemic flaws in Iranian football. While players like Taremi and Azmoun have had moderate success, none have reached the heights of their Asian counterparts. Unless Iran addresses its structural issues, its next golden generation may suffer the same fate: flashes of brilliance, followed by premature decline.

For now, Jahanbakhsh’s career stands as both a tragedy and a lesson—one that Iranian football must learn from before another talent fades away.

Who Really Runs Team Melli? Torabi’s Explosive Claims Expose the Shadow Leaders

Mehdi Torabi’s recent outburst was not just a complaint—it was a bombshell revelation about the corrupt power dynamics controlling Iran’s national football team. The usually reserved Tractor Tabriz winger, known for his quiet demeanor, shocked fans by exposing what many have long suspected: Team Melli is not run by the coach, but by a powerful clique of players who dictate call-ups, tactics, and even team selections.

Torabi’s Rebellion: A Breaking Point for Team Melli

Torabi is not a troublemaker. He rarely speaks out, avoids controversy, and has never been one to rock the boat. So why now?

Because the rot in Team Melli has reached unbearable levels.

In his explosive interview, Torabi stopped short of naming names, but his message was clear:

"The criteria for selection in Team Melli are not based on merit. Personal relationships, favoritism, and outside influences decide who gets called up. This is a betrayal of the fans and the sport."

His words confirm what insiders have whispered for years—a shadowy "player mafia" controls the national team, manipulating coaches, administrators, and even the FFIRI (Iranian Football Federation).

The Gang Behind the Curtain: Who Are They?

While Torabi avoided direct accusations, multiple sources within Team Melli point to two key figures as the ringleaders:

1. Alireza Jahanbakhsh – The Declining Star Who Won’t Let Go

  • Once a Golden Boot winner in the Dutch league (21 goals in 2017/18), Jahanbakhsh’s career has plummeted since his failed move to Brighton.
  • Last seven seasons (140 games, 14 goals) – a pathetic 0.082 goals per game for club.
  • For Team Melli (since 2018): 13 goals in 57 games (0.23 per game) – hardly the stats of an irreplaceable star.
  • Yet, despite his decline, he remains untouchable, taking minutes from younger, hungrier players like Torabi.

Why? Because he wields influence behind the scenes, leveraging his status to maintain his place regardless of form.

2. Mehdi Taremi – The Undisputed Leader (On and Off the Pitch)

  • Unlike Jahanbakhsh, Taremi’s club performances (until recently) justified his place—his Porto stint was stellar.
  • But his disastrous move to Inter Milan (minimal impact in a failed title bid) raises questions about his current level.
  • More troubling, however, is his reported role as the locker room’s "godfather."
  • Insiders claim he dictates team politics, influencing call-ups and sidelining those who challenge his authority.

How the "Player Mafia" Operates

  1. Pressure on Coaches – Senior players threaten unrest if their preferred teammates are excluded.
  2. Favoritism Over Merit – Underperforming veterans (like Jahanbakhsh) keep their spots, while in-form players (like Torabi) are ignored.
  3. Backroom Deals – Rumors persist of agents and federation officials colluding with player cliques to maintain control.

Why Nothing Changes

  • FFIRI is Weak & Complicit – The federation lacks the will (or courage) to investigate.
  • No Independent Oversight – Unlike in Europe, where media and federations hold power players accountable, Iran’s system protects the status quo.
  • Political Protection – As long as the team qualifies for tournaments, no one in power cares how the sausage is made.

What Happens Next?

  • Torabi’s Career in Jeopardy – Will he be blacklisted like Ahmad Noorollahi?
  • Ghalenoei’s Choice – Will he crack down on player power or kowtow to the mafia to save his job?
  • Fan Backlash – If corruption isn’t cleaned up, Team Melli’s credibility will collapse entirely.

The Big Question: Will Anyone Be Held Accountable?

Torabi has broken the silence, but unless:

  • Media keeps pressure up,
  • Fans demand transparency,
  • FFIRI is forced to act,

Nothing will change.

Team Melli belongs to the people of Iran, not a privileged few. It’s time to take it back.

Who’s with Torabi?

Eight Team Melli Players at Risk of Suspension Ahead of Uzbekistan ClashTeam Melli players under the threat of suspension

Eight key Team Melli players face the risk of suspension for Iran’s crucial match against Uzbekistan on March 25 if they receive yellow cards in Thursday’s game against the UAE.

Iran will host the UAE at Azadi Stadium on the final day of the Iranian calendar year 1403 as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei will send his team onto the field under the looming threat of potential suspensions, with eight players carrying yellow cards from previous matches.

The players at risk are Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Hossein Kananizadegan, Milad Mohammadi, Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Ghayedi, Mohammad Mohebi, Aria Yousefi, and Saeed Ezzatollahi—all just one booking away from missing the showdown with Uzbekistan.

If any of these players receive a yellow card against the UAE, they will be ruled out of the Uzbekistan match. Additionally, should any of them receive a caution against Uzbekistan, they risk suspension for Iran’s final two qualifiers.

Disciplinary issues have historically been a weak spot for Team Melli, and this trend has persisted under Ghalenoei’s tenure. Managing player discipline will be crucial in ensuring Iran fields its strongest squad for the decisive matches ahead.

Heerenveen has clubless Jahanbakhsh in their sights

 

Nov. 4 2024

SC Heerenveen is in the market for Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The former Feyenoord player is currently without a club and is seen as a possible reinforcement for Robin van Persie's team.

Heerenveen has clubless Jahanbakhsh in their sights

General manager Ferry de Haan confirms to Omrop Fryslân that there is contact with the 31-year-old Jahanbakhsh. 'He has certain qualities that we are missing in our squad at the moment', says the director. 'Alireza has depth in his game and of course, has the necessary international experience. Normally, these kinds of guys are not affordable for us, but he doesn't have a club at the moment."

Jahanbakhsh previously played in the Eredivisie for NEC, AZ and Feyenoord. At the latter club, he has been on the payroll for the past three years; Jahanbakhsh scored seventeen goals in 106 games for Feyenoord. Last season, he suffered a lot from injuries.

Heerenveen currently has four wingers in the squad, namely Jacob Trenskow, Ilias Sebaoui, Danilo Al-Saed and Che Nunnely. The latter has an expiring contract and Sebaoui is on loan from Feyenoord.

Currently, SC Heerenveen is in a precarious position and ranked 15th out of 18 in the Eredivisie with 9 points from 11 games.

Team Melli Legionnaires: Navigating Uncertain Paths

As the end of 2023/2024 season, the future prospects of Team Melli’s legionnaire players hang in the balance. Unfortunately, their performances in European leagues have been less than stellar. Let’s delve into the individual stories of these key players:

Mehdi Taremi

In the 2022/23 season, Taremi dazzled as a key player for FC Porto, scoring 22 goals in 33 Primeira Division games. However, last season, contract negotiations and reduced playing time dimmed his star. Porto’s head coach favored other players, and Taremi featured in only 23 league matches, netting 6 goals. His heart now beats for a move to Inter Milan, although no official contract has been announced yet.

Sardar Azmoun

Azmoun’s loan spell at AS Roma in Serie A didn’t pan out as expected. Despite Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph, Azmoun played second fiddle to Lukaku and Dybala. His 23 appearances included just 3 starts, with 20 substitute roles. He found the net 3 times. AS Roma’s contract with Azmoun ends soon, and Leverkusen seeks offers—preferably an outright sale—to recoup their investment.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Jahanbakhsh’s stint at Feyenoord was forgettable. In 16 Eredivisie matches, he failed to score. Starting in only 3 games, he spent most of his time as a substitute. Feyenoord has let go of the 30-year-old captain and winger. Jahanbakhsh’s agents are actively scouting West European clubs, though Turkish sides have shown interest at lower wages.

Saman Ghoddos

Brentford’s Premier League journey didn’t feature Ghoddos prominently. His one-year contract expires soon, and the club shows no interest in an extension. Ghoddos made 19 appearances, mostly as a substitute, but did manage a memorable goal. His versatility caught the eye, but his next destination remains uncertain. Sweden beckons, but Ghoddos hopes for a more ambitious opportunity.

The Crucible Awaits: Team Melli’s Legionnaires

As the 2023/2024 season draws its final curtain, Team Melli’s legionnaire players find themselves at a crossroads. Their lackluster performances in European leagues cast shadows over their prospects. The stakes are high—the FIFA World Cup 2026 looms on the horizon, and Iran eyes a coveted spot among the final 48 teams.

The Unyielding Challenge

While Iran’s group isn’t insurmountable, the team’s fate hinges on its key players. Their game time and exposure to strong leagues will reverberate through every match. Can they rise to the occasion and propel Team Melli to glory?

The Race Against Time

With the 2024/25 season kicking off in August, these players face a tight schedule. Settling into new teams swiftly becomes paramount. As winter approaches, the four World Cup qualifying matches await—a litmus test for their mettle.

The arena awaits, and Team Melli’s fate hangs in the balance. Will these legionnaires seize their moment or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.