Tehran

Branko Ivankovic , the head Coach of Persepolis club criticized the behavior patterns of Team Melli  coach Carlos Queiroz and said “ He (Queiroz)  should serve the interest of Iran’s football rather than be exploitive and divisive” . Branko said that he is quite disappointed by Queiroz’s conduct.

Ivankovic was talking to ISNA reporter at the newly commissioned Sports Medical Test Center where Persepolis squad was  undergoing their compulsory medical examination.

In response to  the question of whether  he will release his players to join Team Melli camp or not , the Croat coach said “ something that I can say on behalf of myself is that I will not allow my players to join  team  Melli camp at this time. They are Persepolis players and the club pays their wage. It is the club that decides what approach to take in advance. If any player is not available for duty, he will be held accountable and responsible for such absence. They should know their duties as professional footballers and should act responsively.”

Branko, as he is affectionately known in Iran,  continued “ I was really disappointed by Carlos Queiroz’s behavior. He must serve Iran’s football at his capacity and offer the best services for Team Melli but not exploit his position and act divisive. You might already know that no player is allowed to play in the league unless he completes the mandatory medical examinations. For me it is strange that the national Team coach refuses to release the players for the test and behaves in such manner.  This Coach is embarking on a dangerous game. He wants to decide which teams are relegated and what team at the end of the season becomes the league champion!”

Branko said Carlos Queiroz, is the coach ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ of Iran national team but he does not hold the ownership rights. He should not play with the feelings of millions of Iranians. On behalf of myself I will not let players team join Team Melli camp. We shall refer those players who are absent to the disciplinary committee of the club and the club eventually will have to decide whether they will join  our camp or not.

The flash point is allegedly started when Queiroz , unilaterally and without the consent of the players’ clubs, prevented Team Melli players from conducting these mandatory checks which technically rules them out to play in the league according to regulation.

In the same token, Khordbin , Persepolis  Director shared Ivankovic’s concern and wondered how Team Melli coach can act in such a manner? Khordbin added “In any case, this matter has to be resolved without escalation.”