Tag: FFIRI

Team Melli's Coaching Future: A Shift in Federation Dynamics

The Evolving Equation of Iran's National Team Bench

The complex calculations surrounding Team Melli's technical leadership have crystallized into a new phase in recent days, as the Football Federation of Iran's (FFIRI) board of directors experiences a notable recalibration of positions. Several board members who previously stood firmly against extending Amir Ghalenoei's contract have now reconsidered their stance, marking a significant development in the ongoing saga of the national team's coaching future.

This transformation in perspective gained momentum following extensive consultations and strategic discussions that have dominated the board's agenda over the past week. The extension of the senior national team head coach's contract has emerged as perhaps the most consequential item among their deliberations, with the issue commanding considerable attention and debate.

The Gradual Shift in Decision-Making Dynamics

The outcome of these intensive consultations has been a gradual yet discernible evolution in the board's decision-making climate. Those who once comprised the opposition faction have increasingly aligned themselves with the continuity camp, advancing the argument that technical stability serves as a crucial prerequisite for the national team's aspirations in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The prevailing sentiment among this reconfigured group suggests that maintaining the existing technical structure would provide the team with the consistency and institutional memory necessary to mount a serious challenge for continental honors. This reasoning appears to have resonated sufficiently to bridge the previously entrenched divisions within the federation's leadership.

An Atmosphere of Anticipation

While no official pronouncement regarding the national team bench's future has materialized, the federation's internal environment has undergone a palpable transformation compared to the tensions of previous weeks. The balance of influence has demonstrably tilted in favor of retaining the incumbent coach through the conclusion of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 campaign in Saudi Arabia.

Should this trajectory persist, it would effectively eliminate any substantive discussion regarding technical staff changes from the federation's agenda, at least until the tournament's completion. Such an outcome would represent a decisive victory for the pro-continuity faction and would establish a clear pathway for the team's preparation cycle.

The Shadow of Political Maneuvering

This apparent leaning toward Ghalenoei's retention has not escaped the scrutiny of observers, many of whom attribute the shift to political calculations and strategic maneuvering rather than an objective assessment of merit and technical competency. These influences, according to analysts, now permeate the corridors of the FFIRI with increasing intensity.

The political dimensions of this decision cannot be understated, as they intersect with broader power dynamics within Iranian football governance. The federation's deliberations appear to reflect considerations that extend beyond purely sporting criteria, raising questions about the decision-making processes that determine the national team's technical direction.

A Record of Unfulfilled Expectations

The context of this shift is particularly noteworthy given Ghalenoei's recent record with Team Melli. Under his stewardship, the national team experienced disappointment at the last AFC Asian Cup, failing to meet the elevated expectations that traditionally accompany Iran's participation in the continent's premier competition.

Furthermore, the team's campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 proved equally challenging, as Iran was unable to secure qualification from the group stage and failed to register a single victory throughout the tournament. These results have cast a long shadow over Ghalenoei's tenure and have fueled skepticism regarding his capacity to deliver the continental success that has eluded Iranian football for five decades.

The Verdict of Public Opinion

The reaction on social media platforms has been overwhelmingly critical, with users directing sharp commentary toward both Ghalenoei and his squad. This digital discontent reflects a broader sentiment among the fan base, many of whom harbor deep reservations about the team's prospects of ending the nation's 50-year Asian Cup drought under the current technical leadership.

The disconnect between the federation's apparent inclination and the grassroots sentiment underscores the challenging environment in which Iranian football operates. The divergence between institutional decision-making and public opinion has become increasingly pronounced, creating tensions that may prove difficult to reconcile as the Asian Cup approaches.

The Road Ahead

As the FFIRI board continues its deliberations, the decision regarding Ghalenoei's future will carry implications that extend far beyond the technical staff appointment itself. The choice will signal the federation's strategic direction, its responsiveness to public sentiment, and its commitment to performance-based evaluation versus other considerations.

The coming days will likely prove decisive in determining whether the current trend toward continuity solidifies into official policy or whether a last-minute reversal introduces yet another twist in this unfolding narrative. Whatever the outcome, the decision will shape the trajectory of Iranian football as it prepares for one of its most significant challenges in recent years.

This article is based on developments within the Football Federation of Iran and reflects the evolving situation regarding the national team's technical leadership as of the date of publication.

The Unfulfilled Dream and the Looming Challenge: Team Melli at a Crossroads

Team Melli’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in bitter disappointment, despite widespread expectations that the expanded 48-team format would finally pave the way for a historic group-stage breakthrough. With twelve groups and an increased knockout berth allocation, the barrier to reaching the Round of 32 had ostensibly never been lower. Yet, three consecutive stalemates—a gritty but goalless draw against New Zealand, a resilient but ultimately fruitless point against Belgium, and a tightly contested tie with Egypt- proved to be Iran’s undoing. In a group where wins were imperative, these draws left the team stranded, falling agonizingly short of securing a spot among the world’s top 32.

In the immediate aftermath, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) published two separate assessment reports on its official platform. These documents served a dual purpose: they candidly acknowledged that the national team had fallen short of its pre-tournament objectives, while simultaneously pivoting the narrative toward the future—specifically, the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027. While such transparency is commendable on paper, the reports have done little to quell the growing unease among fans and pundits regarding the federation’s capacity to deliver tangible results.

As Team Melli now pivots its preparations toward the Asian Cup, the FFIRI has publicly declared an unequivocal ambition: to reach the final and lift the continental trophy for the first time since 1976. However, when measured against the current trajectory of the squad, the stagnation of the coaching philosophy, and the persistent managerial volatility, this goal appears more aspirational than achievable. The hard truth is that ambition, unaccompanied by structural reform, remains hollow rhetoric.

Looking back at the 2023 Asian Cup (held in early 2024) offers a stark point of contrast. At that tournament, Iran boasted a younger, more energetic core—a side capable of high-intensity transitions and resilient defensive work. Despite shaky group-stage performances against Hong Kong and Syria in the knock-out stage, where the team looked vulnerable and disjointed, they rose to the occasion in the quarter-finals. The dramatic, hard-fought victory over Japan, their perennial tormentor in recent decades, was undoubtedly the high-water mark of the campaign, exorcising deep-seated psychological barriers and igniting hopes of a long-awaited final berth. Yet, having scaled that monumental peak, the team suffered a catastrophic letdown against Qatar in the semi-finals, squandering a golden opportunity and extending Iran’s agonizing wait for a continental final appearance to more than half a century.

Fast-forward to the present, and the grim arithmetic is undeniable. How can a squad that was palpably younger and more dynamic just four years ago—now with its star veterans well into their thirties and physically declining—suddenly rediscover the legs and intensity required to conquer Asia? More pressingly, how can the same tactical blueprint, administered by the same coaching staff that oddly perceives the 2026 World Cup performance as a moral achievement, magically transform into a championship-winning formula? The insistence on defensive conservatism, a lack of creative midfield fluidity, and an over-reliance on aging individual brilliance rather than collective tactical evolution have rendered the team predictable and stagnant.

It is constructive for the Football Federation to speak openly about its aspirations, but its directors must internalize a fundamental principle: declaring a goal does not actualize it. To bridge the chasm between ambition and execution, the FFIRI must urgently conduct a rigorous, top-to-bottom gap analysis. This requires an aggressive, no-nonsense review of the entire footballing pyramid—from youth development pipelines to senior squad selection. Specifically, the federation must scrutinize preparation protocols, set-piece efficiency, physical conditioning regimes, and, most critically, the tactical flexibility of the coaching unit.

Currently, the federation’s proposed remedy is woefully vague. Promises of holding training camps in East and West Asia, devoid of specific opponents, logistical clarity, or strategic intent, inspire little confidence. In the modern competitive landscape, where rivals like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are meticulously fine-tuning their systems with high-quality friendlies and data-driven methodologies, Iran cannot afford to rely on nebulous planning.

The bottom line is that in contemporary football, self-congratulation and hollow talking points are irrelevant currencies. At this juncture, with the current roster composition and an uninspired technical bench, the dream of reaching the Asian Cup final remains just that, a dream steeped in wishful thinking. The countdown is merciless. With barely six months remaining until the tournament kicks off in Saudi Arabia, the margin for error has completely evaporated. The FFIRI must move beyond rhetoric, embrace uncomfortable reforms, and act decisively—or risk watching yet another generation of talent squander its legacy on the continental stage.

Why so many Managerial Changes , but not in Iran !

As is customary in global football, failure at a FIFA World Cup almost always triggers accountability. Consequently, coaches resign, federations sack managers, and administrators step aside. Even so, although the 2026 edition is still ongoing, we already have 15 departures — a clear sign that many nations take their shortcomings seriously.

However, what stands out is that almost every manager on that list performed better than Team Melli, yet Iran once again appears immune to change. Despite this, and despite failing to qualify from one of the weakest groups in the tournament, there is no indication of introspection, responsibility, or even basic acknowledgment of failure.

In fact, although not officially announced, the head of FFIRI has already hinted that Amir Ghalenoei will continue leading Iran into the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and beyond. Ultimately, continuity is not the problem — blind continuity is.

The Illusion of Success

The hope for fundamental change in mentality, player selection, or tactical evolution remains remote. Moreover, what has improved, ironically, is the federation’s ability — along with the head coach — to manipulate public perception. As a result, a clear failure has been reframed as a “respectable performance,” a narrative that is repeated so often it begins to sound like truth.

Therefore, this is not football analysis; it is political messaging.

The Media’s Role in Manufacturing Consent

Furthermore, another striking element is the behavior of the domestic media. Almost all major outlets are state-controlled, and the football federation itself is under the same umbrella. Consequently, the result is predictable: full‑fledged support for the team, regardless of performance, wrapped in nationalistic rhetoric and political justification.

Instead, of honest evaluation, we get excuses. Instead, of accountability, we get slogans. Instead, of progress, we get stagnation.

Ultimately, the missed opportunity of this World Cup — a tournament where Iran genuinely had a chance to advance — is buried under layers of propaganda.

A Contrast: Saudi Arabia’s Example

Among the many departures worldwide, one stands out: Saudi Arabia’s football federation president, Yasser Al‑Misehal, resigned after his team failed to reach the knockout stage.

His statement was simple, direct, and refreshing:

“The failure of the national team to qualify for the next round of the World Cup is a result that falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for it. I offer my apologies to everyone who hoped to see our team in a better position.”

He continued:

“A sense of responsibility requires giving the opportunity to open a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term.”

Clearly, this is not just a resignation — it is a culture of accountability. It also signals a country seeking progress, acknowledging shortcomings, and making room for improvement.

By contrast, such honesty is almost alien within FFIRI’s current culture and its political backers.

The Core Problem

Iran’s footballing stagnation is not due to lack of talent, resources, or passion. Rather, it is due to a system that:

  • refuses to admit mistakes,
  • punishes criticism,
  • rewards loyalty over competence,
  • and treats football as a political tool rather than a sporting project.

Until this changes, Iran will continue celebrating imaginary achievements while other nations — even those who performed better — take real steps toward improvement.

📌 Summary Count

Across all sources, at least 15 managers and coaches left their positions after the 2026 World Cup — roughly 25–27% of all head coaches, according to The Guardian and beIN SPORTS.

🟦 Post–World Cup 2026 Departures (Managers + Federation Chiefs)

Resigned / Sacked / Mutual Termination

Country / TeamNameRoleReason / NotesSource
Saudi ArabiaYasser Al‑MisehalPresident, Saudi Arabian Football FederationResigned after Saudi Arabia’s group‑stage exitbeIN SPORTS
TunisiaSabri LamouchiHead CoachSacked after 5–1 loss to SwedenCAF / beIN
TunisiaHervé RenardHead CoachResigned 18 days after appointmentAFP / Arab News
GhanaCarlos QueirozHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 exitGhana FA
Senegal Pape ThiawHead CoachSacked following  elimination in the round of 16 AP Sports
South KoreaHong Myung‑boHead CoachResigned after group‑stage eliminationNDTV / Guardian
CzechiaMiroslav KoubekHead CoachResigned after winless group stageCzech FA
ScotlandSteve ClarkeHead CoachResigned after failing to reach knockoutsBBC
NetherlandsRonald KoemanHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 loss to MoroccoDutch FA
GermanyJulian NagelsmannHead CoachLeft role after Round of 32 elimination to ParaguayDFB
PortugalRoberto MartínezHead CoachResigned after Round of 16 defeat to SpainPortuguese FA
CroatiaZlatko DalićHead CoachResigned after Round of 32 defeat to PortugalbeIN
MexicoJavier AguirreHead CoachDeparted as part of federation transition after eliminationFMF
UruguayMarcelo BielsaHead CoachLeft role after group‑stage eliminationCONMEBOL
EcuadorSebastián BeccaceceHead CoachDeparted after Round of 32 loss to MexicoEcuador FA

📌 Total Count

15 confirmed departures (14 head coaches + 1 federation president)

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The Eckert Enigma: A VIP Passenger or a Secret Weapon? The Question Ghalenoei Must Answer

When Dennis Eckert boarded the plane to the United States alongside 25 other Team Melli players, his luggage carried no international caps, no national team pedigree—not even a single minute of competitive football for Iran. His inclusion on the World Cup roster is, by any measure, an anomaly so striking that it borders on the unprecedented in Iranian football history.

To be fair, a deep dive into the annals of Iran’s World Cup campaigns—particularly the 1978 edition in Argentina—might unearth a rare outlier. But even if a precedent exists, the sight of a completely uncapped player being fast-tracked into the world’s most unforgiving tournament remains a statistical and tactical oddity. Yet, the true controversy is not merely that he is on the list; it is why he is not on the pitch.

This is the question that must be levelled directly at head coach Amir Ghalenoei. If Dennis is technically gifted enough to survive multiple selection filters and earn a place in the final 26-man squad—if he is genuinely considered superior to Sardar Azmoun, a striker with 57 goals in 91 international outings—then why did he not feature for a single minute in Iran’s opening match? Why was he neither in the starting eleven nor even summoned from the bench?

In the cold, unforgiving logic of professional football, such contradictions are inexcusable. You do not place your trust in a player for the sport’s grandest stage and then withhold from him the smallest on-field responsibility. These two actions are fundamentally incompatible. If Eckert is not destined to play, then one of the most precious World Cup quotas has been effectively squandered—a spot that could have been awarded to a player genuinely capable of contributing to the team’s cause in moments of crisis.

Conversely, if Ghalenoei truly believes that Eckert possesses the key to unlock stubborn defences, then what justification exists for this tactical paralysis? The World Cup is not a laboratory for experimentation, nor a theatre for diplomatic niceties. It is a short, ruthless tournament where opportunities evaporate in an instant and errors are rarely forgiven. Ghalenoei, notably, found time to grant Ehsan Hajsafi a record-breaking appearance, yet Eckert—whose administrative dossier consumed weeks of bureaucratic wrangling, requiring exceptions to Iranian citizenship laws—was apparently an afterthought.

Now, only two group-stage matches remain. Two decisive 90-minute windows that may either break the spell of Eckert’s non-appearance or condemn him to the role of a mere special passenger in Team Melli’s convoy—a curiosity rather than a contributor.

Should the latter scenario unfold, it will undoubtedly become one of the defining questions of Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign: How does a player travel to football’s greatest spectacle without a single international cap, yet never set foot on the field? That is a question not merely for Ghalenoei to answer, but one for which he must be held accountable.

The fans deserve clarity. Is Dennis Eckert Dargahi a ceremonial VIP guest, benefiting from influence beyond his on-field résumé, or is he a clandestine tactical asset, a secret weapon Ghalenoei intends to unleash upon an unsuspecting world? With swirling allegations of agents brokering squad places and "pay-to-play" infiltration tarnishing the team’s reputation, these are not idle curiosities—they are urgent demands for transparency.

The clock is ticking. The answers cannot wait until after the final whistle.

Political Tensions Force Iranian Delegation to Rethink US World Cup Trip

The escalating political situation and the ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran have forced the Iranian official delegation to reconsider its plans to accompany Team Melli to the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

It is standard practice for all participating nations to send an official delegation alongside their national team during the World Cup. These delegations typically include officials responsible for public relations, diplomacy, player support, and promotional activities. However, this year’s tournament, hosted by a hostile adversary that has attacked the country along with Israel, has introduced unprecedented complications.

Sources suggest that the government in Tehran has actively discouraged the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) from sending a large delegation. This caution stems in part from a recent episode involving Mehdi Taj, the head of the FFIRI, who encountered difficulties while transiting through Canada en route to the FIFA Annual Conference. That incident has reportedly heightened concerns among Iranian officials about traveling through North America.

From Tehran’s perspective, the United States remains a hostile nation capable of taking adverse actions against visiting Iranian officials. Fears range from arrests and politically motivated trials to systematic harassment at airports. Even if delegation members obtain legitimate U.S. visas, many Iranian officials believe that movement restrictions, prolonged interrogations, and public humiliation at points of entry are all but foregone conclusions.

Board Members Reluctant to Travel

As is customary, the FFIRI initially nominated several members of its Board of Directors to travel to the United States and accompany the national team during the tournament. However, it now appears that none of the board members are willing to make the trip and take risks.

To date, three board members—Ali Khatir, Heydar Baharvand, and Mohammad Rahman Salari, have officially canceled their travel plans to the United States. Six other members, Farideh Shojaei, Hojjat Karimi, Farzin Dabiri, Mohammad Esfandiarpour, Tahmoorth Heydari, and Ali Taheri, have yet to confirm their participation, and sources indicate they are unlikely to do so.

The sole exception is Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the only board member currently present with Team Melli at their training camp in Antalya, Turkey. Serving as the national team’s manager, Nabi holds a dual role that involves direct oversight of the team’s day-to-day operations. While he remains committed to traveling to the United States, there is no guarantee he will be spared the difficulties expected to await Iranian officials on American soil.

Team’s Preparatory Schedule

Meanwhile, the national football team is continuing its preparations abroad. After completing their current phase of training in Turkey, Team Melli will travel to Mexico for the third stage of their pre-World Cup camp, based in Tijuana. From there, the squad is scheduled to fly directly to the United States for the tournament matches.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the absence of a full official delegation could impact not only logistical coordination but also Iran’s diplomatic and public relations presence at the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Hossein Abdi Appointed Head Coach of Iran's U-23 Team.

TEHRAN (IRNA) – Hossein Abdi has been officially selected as the new head coach of Iran's Omid national team, the country's under-23 side. The decision, announced by the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), tasks Abdi with leading a generation of players intended to carry the torch in Iranian football's long-awaited return to the Olympic Games—an event that has been a persistent failure for the nation's football community over the years.

Abdi's appointment comes despite, or perhaps because of, his impressive recent track record with grassroots teams. Over the past several seasons, he has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and develop young talent, successfully introducing a number of promising players to the top levels of Iranian domestic football and, in some cases, to the senior national team.

First Words: Pride, Responsibility, and National Duty

Shortly after his selection, Abdi spoke publicly about the weight of his new role and the urgent need for comprehensive support to achieve the ultimate goal of Olympic qualification.

"First of all, I must say that I am proud to work in such a position for the youth of my country," Abdi began. "I may have been given a small role, but this responsibility is very significant. This mission has been assigned to me, and I am happy to be on this path."

Addressing the circumstances of his acceptance, the new head coach revealed that this was not his first approach from the federation. "I had such an offer before. But in the current situation, it no longer matters whether I personally liked it or not. The main issue is the heavy national duty. We have little time, and we must work day and night to fulfill our obligation in the best possible way."

Long-Term Vision Beyond Short-Term Results

Unlike some previous appointments focused narrowly on immediate qualification, Abdi emphasized that his outlook is not limited to short-term results. Instead, he has developed a long-term plan aimed at building the very foundation of Iranian football's future.

"In the conversations I had with respected officials of the federation and the Ministry of Sports," Abdi explained, "I made it clear that if only a short-term goal is being considered, perhaps other people would be more suitable for this job."

He then appealed for collective support: "But with the full backing of the football family, and especially the dear people of our country, we can achieve good things and put a smile on their faces."

Context and Challenges Ahead

Iran has not qualified for the Olympic men's football tournament since 1976, and successive generations have fallen short in Asian qualifying campaigns. Abdi now faces the formidable task of reversing that decades-long drought with a squad of young players who must be developed rapidly but also sustainably.

His success will depend not only on his tactical acumen but also on the federation's willingness to provide consistent resources, friendly matches, and a stable competitive environment—conditions that have often been lacking for previous Omid team coaches.

For now, Abdi strikes a tone of humble determination: the work begins immediately, and the clock is already ticking.

Taj was allowed into Canada but returned back in protest.

May 1 (Reuters) - Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials cleared him to enter the country for the FIFA Congress, but Iran’s delegation chose to turn back after being held for three hours and questioned at a Toronto airport, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Taj, a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United States and Mexico.

"We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC," Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

"We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

"After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the airport for three hours, you made us wait for nothing."

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but they refused.

"I told the FIFA secretary general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say 'yes sir' to whatever they say," he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches in the United States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran's request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

"We need to hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team," Taj said about Iran's participation.

World Cup Sacrifice: Iran Suspends Domestic League for Three Months, Leaving Foreign Players in Limbo

TEHRAN – The FFIRI Football League Committee has confirmed the suspension of the Persian Gulf Pro League until the conclusion of Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign, a move the federation describes as essential for national team preparation but one that plunges the domestic league’s foreign contingent into a three-month professional void.

In a statement released via the federation's official public relations channels, the committee detailed that the decision was reached following extensive consultations with top-flight club executives. The federation cited the need to prioritize "safety and security conditions" in light of ongoing regional tensions following the recent American-Israeli military aggression, alongside a desire to protect player welfare.

Rationale vs. Reality of a Compressed Return
The committee acknowledged studying the adverse effects of a compressed league format. They concluded that cramming the remaining fixtures into a tight window post-World Cup would increase the risk of player injury and degrade the quality of the competition. Consequently, the 25th season of the Premier League will remain frozen until Team Melli's journey in the United States, Mexico, and Canada concludes.

"Such an arrangement will give home-based Team Melli players plenty of time for preparation and training in camps," the committee's assessment noted. This aligns with the federation's long-standing policy of clearing the calendar to give the national team coach maximum access to the domestic player pool.

The Foreign Player Fallout
While the hiatus is a logistical win for Amir Ghalenoei's World Cup preparations, it creates a significant professional crisis for the league's international imports. With no competitive matches scheduled for over three months, foreign players are effectively out of work and out of match rhythm during a critical period of the global football calendar.

The situation is particularly acute for the strong contingent of Uzbek players currently plying their trade in Iran. Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . A three-month gap in competitive action leaves these players in a precarious position regarding their national team futures. Unlike their Iranian teammates who will be in structured camps, these foreign nationals face the prospect of training in empty stadiums with no tangible match fitness to show for it, placing their selection for the Uzbekistan national team under direct threat.

Mehdi Taj Addresses Team Melli's World Cup Preparations and AFC Club Competitions

Mehdi Taj, the head of the Football Federation of Iran, has spoken publicly about the current state of Team Melli, the challenges facing the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now less than 80 days away, and the ongoing complexities surrounding Iran's participation in Asian club competitions.

World Cup Venue Uncertainty

Addressing FIFA's apparent reluctance to approve the relocation of Iran's 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico, Taj acknowledged the logistical difficulties involved. "Everything requires its own preparations, and delays are inevitable," he said. "Moving matches to another country brings its own set of complications." He confirmed that the national team will play two friendlies in Turkey during March, with the players to be announced in due course.

A Call for Passion and Resilience

Taj emphasized that the national team must reflect the spirit and enthusiasm of the Iranian people, particularly given the extraordinary circumstances the nation is enduring. "The passion that the people have must also be visible in the national team," he stated. "The people who proudly remain present in their fields under bombardment will not accept the Football Federation allowing lethargy or complacency to creep into the national teams."

On Sardar Azmoun's Status

Regarding the situation of star striker Sardar Azmoun, following rumors that he had been dismissed from the national team setup, Taj declined to comment on individual cases but stressed the collective identity of the squad. "I will not speak about individuals," he said. "The national team must represent these people. Ninety percent of the team is already aligned with this principle, particularly our legionnaires and the head coach. This approach will continue to be reinforced."

(NOTE: Azmoun was excluded from the latest list announced today.)

AFC Club Competition Representatives

Turning to domestic matters, Taj provided an update on Iran's representatives for next season's Asian club competitions. "The AFC sent us a letter today requesting that we announce Iran's representatives for the upcoming Asian Elite League and AFC Champions League 2," he explained. "We informed them that the Iranian champion has not yet been determined. The league organization has made a decision, which we will announce once it has been approved by the Football Federation."

Azmoun kicked off national team for disloyalty, say reports!

March 20 (Reuters) - Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, which is co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.

If Team Melli do turn up for their opening-round group matches, they will undoubtedly be weakened by the absence of striker Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals since making his debut as a teenager in 2014.

Azmoun, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates for Shabab Al-Ahli, upset the Iranian authorities this week by posting a picture on his Instagram feed of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Iran has launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following air strikes by the United States and Israel, which killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A report on the Fars News Agency, which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited "an informed source within the national team" as saying Azmoun had been expelled from the squad.

PICTURES REMOVED

Azmoun later removed the pictures but was still lambasted on state TV on Thursday, with football pundit Mohammad Misaghi saying the striker's actions had been an act of disloyalty.

"It's unfortunate that you don't have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time," Misaghi said.

"We should not mince words with such people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey.

"We have no patience for this sulking and childish behaviour. National team players should be people who proudly belt out the national anthem and deserve to wear the Iran jersey."

There was no immediate response to a request for comment on the matter from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI).

Azmoun, 31, is one of the best-known footballers in Iran, where the game is a national obsession.

He has played his entire club career abroad with stints at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma, as well as featuring for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

An unsourced report on the Navad News channel said on Thursday that an order had been issued for the seizure of the assets of Azmoun, another UAE-based national team forward Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei.

Misaghi was speaking against the backdrop of pictures of a ceremony welcoming the Iranian women's national team back to Tehran on their return from Australia.

Seven of the delegation accepted asylum in Australia after the team was branded "wartime traitors" on Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match. Five later decided to return to Iran.

Iran's men are scheduled to play friendly internationals in Antalya, Turkey, against Nigeria on March 27 and Costa Rica four days later as part of their World Cup preparations.