Tag: Omid Team

Golmohammadi Edges Closer to Iran U-23 Job as Taj Negotiations Reach Critical Stage

A preliminary agreement has been reached in negotiations between Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj and Yahya Golmohammadi over the latter taking charge of Iran’s U-23 (Omid) national football team, according to Mehr News Agency. After several rounds of talks, the two sides have established an initial understanding, and Taj has signaled that the negotiations are nearing a final outcome, with details of the collaboration expected to be announced soon.

The talks are centered not only on the appointment itself but also on the conditions Golmohammadi believes are necessary to build a competitive team. The federation president is now expected to address the coach’s requirements directly, overseeing efforts to create the environment needed for the prospective head coach’s plans. According to the latest discussions, a significant portion of the negotiations involves reviewing Golmohammadi’s requests and securing the resources he deems essential.

Two key issues remain; the duration of the partnership and the scope of Golmohammadi’s authority in planning for the U-23 side. The agreement under discussion reportedly envisions a long-term collaboration extending to 2028, a framework that, if finalized, could give Iran a sustained opportunity to pursue Olympic qualification. For Iranian football, ending the long wait for an Olympic return would be a major achievement, and a long-term mandate would allow the coach to plan across qualifying cycles rather than operate on a short-term basis.

However, a definitive contract has not yet been signed. Financial matters, details regarding training camps, and the team’s required facilities still need to be settled in the final stages of negotiation. These issues could prove decisive, as they will shape the working conditions and resources available to the U-23 program.

Another significant hurdle is Golmohammadi’s current contract with the Iraqi club Duhok. The federation must facilitate the terms of his departure from the club. Although his exit from the Iraqi side is not believed to pose an obstacle to an agreement over the U-23 role, it remains a logistical and contractual matter that must be resolved before any final deal can be completed.

The next step will involve the federation’s board of directors, which is scheduled to meet next week. Taj is expected to present his final choice for the U-23 coaching position. It remains to be seen whether Taj and Golmohammadi will reach a final agreement during the ongoing negotiations—with the former Persepolis head coach taking charge of the U-23 team—or whether disagreements over the terms of cooperation will steer the federation in a different direction. If the latter occurs, the federation president’s final selection could be delayed, leaving the U-23 project in a state of uncertainty.

For now, the talks appear to be progressing, but the coming days will determine whether a preliminary understanding can be converted into a formal and workable partnership.

For decades, Iran’s Olympic football team—commonly known as the Omid team—has endured a long trail of failures at various levels of competition. Despite appointing reputable foreign coaches, providing full support, and securing the backing of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, the team has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games since 1980. Its most recent campaign also ended in failure at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where the side coached by Hossein Abdi failed even to advance from the group stage. That early exit added another chapter to the Omid team’s prolonged struggle and underscored the scale of the challenge facing any coach—including Golmohammadi—who hopes to revive Iran’s Olympic qualification hopes.

The Asian Games: A Daunting Test Awaits Iran’s Omid Team in Nagoya

The Asian Games have always occupied a unique space in Asian football. While the AFC Asian Cup remains the continent’s premier senior national team tournament, East Asian nations, in particular, place immense value on Asian Games success, often integrating it into their long-term grassroots development strategies.

Iran, boasting a proud history in the Asian Games Football. It won its first Gold Medal back in 1974 , then repeated the feat 3 more times (( 1990, 1998, 2002), has endured a difficult two decades in the competition. Since the shift to an U-23 format, Iran's Omid team has struggled, even recording some of its worst defeats against less-fancied East Asian opponents.

Conversely, Japan, China, and South Korea approach the tournament with special regard, viewing success as a key benchmark for their youth development. Given this context, the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games men's football draw was far from generous to Iran. Hossein Abdi's squad finds itself in Group B, pitted against China, the UAE, and North Korea—three distinct tactical challenges that demand peak technical, tactical, and mental readiness to advance.

China – The Heavyweight Test

Iran’s most formidable group-stage obstacle is China, the runners-up of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The Chinese are no longer the pushovers of previous years. Their historic run to the final—where they ultimately fell to Japan—signaled a dramatic narrowing of the gap between Chinese grassroots football and Asia's traditional elites. Through substantial investments in academies, scouting networks, and coaching infrastructure, this generation boasts valuable experience on the continental stage. Their presence makes Iran's opening fixtures a stern examination of Abdi's tactical acumen.

North Korea – The Unpredictable Adversary

Alongside China, North Korea poses a significant threat. Renowned for their relentless physicality, strict tactical discipline, high work rate, and unyielding fighting spirit, they are never an easy out. Their showing at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games—reaching the quarterfinals and defeating Bahrain before bowing out to Japan—underscored their status as one of Asia's toughest grassroots sides. For Iran, this fixture is as much a physical and mental battle as it is a technical one; the North Koreans rarely allow opponents to settle into a rhythm.

UAE – The Emerging Force

Although the UAE did not compete in the previous Asian Games, they have recently ramped up their focus on youth development. Enhanced academy systems, targeted talent programs, and consistent exposure to international competition have markedly improved their U-23 ranks. Dismissing them as easy points would be a grave mistake for Iran, who must maintain full concentration to secure a result.

A Grueling Road to the Podium

The Omid team's challenges do not end with the group stage. Final group standings will be critical, as they dictate the knockout bracket. With host nation Japan anchored in Group A, a potential early-round clash with one of Asia's footballing superpowers looms large. Ultimately, there are no easy routes to a medal in Nagoya. Any team with podium aspirations must navigate the group with authority before confronting the continent's best. Hossein Abdi's men travel to Nagoya with the ambition of re-establishing Iran among Asia's contenders, yet the draw ensures this journey begins uphill—starting with the Asian runners-up and potentially leading to a collision with the giants of the East.

Realistic Expectations

Realistically, Abdi inherits an unenviable task. The Omid team's preparation has been modest, squad cohesion remains a work in progress, and frequent player withdrawals by clubs have destabilized the roster—all before facing the continent's powerhouses. Under these circumstances, a successful campaign would likely be defined simply by progressing beyond the group stage.

Matches Schedule:
First match(es) will be played: 15 September 2026. Source: OCA

18 September 2026

China v North Korea

18 September 2026

United Arab Emirates v Iran

20 September 2026

China v Iran

20 September 2026

United Arab Emirates v North Korea

23 September 2026

China v United Arab Emirates

23 September 2026

Iran v North Korea


Top honors list Asian Games football

TeamGoldSilverBronze
 South Korea6 (1970, 1978, 1986*, 2014*, 2018, 2022)3 (1954, 1958, 1962)3 (1990, 2002*, 2010)
 Iran4 (1974*, 1990, 1998, 2002)2 (1951, 1966)1 (2006)
 India2 (1951*, 1962)1 (1970)

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.

Jalali "Our football is in a downward trajectory"

After Omid Ravankhah was dismissed as head coach of Iran’s U-23 national team, veteran coach Majid Jalali offered a sharp critique of the short-term decision-making that continues to hinder Iranian football. Jalali stressed that the root issue with the Omid team is not who serves as head coach, but rather the lack of long-term planning and managerial stability—problems he believes have persisted for nearly half a century and now extend to the senior national team.

Majid Jalali

Ravankhah was removed from his position following Iran’s early exit from the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. A review of the team’s performance is set to take place during an upcoming technical committee meeting, where potential replacements will also be discussed.

In an interview with ISNA, Jalali reflected on the persistent struggles of the Omid team: “Unfortunately, we keep repeating the same mistakes when it comes to the U-23 side. For about 50 years, we haven’t managed to progress past a certain stage—despite trying more than 30 coaches. Foreign coaches, domestic coaches, and recently even young, inexperienced coaches like Ravankhah have been given opportunities. We always have a four-year cycle to plan, yet we leave decisions to the last three months and then complain about a lack of time!”

Jalali continued, emphasizing that the recurring issues run deeper than coaching choices: “There must be other significant reasons behind these failures. Believing that replacing a coach with a high-profile foreign name will solve everything is a strategic mistake we’ve made over and over—and apparently, we’re about to make it again. If we truly want the Omid team to succeed, we have four years to prepare. But when we only start thinking about it in the final three months, failure is inevitable. We need to change how we see and plan for this team.”

He also pointed out the counterproductive habit of changing coaches mid-cycle: “Often, we’ve acted a year before a tournament and replaced the coach midway through. That means we lose time there, too. I believe we need a solid, long-term plan—looking ahead a full four years—if we want this team to qualify for the Olympics. If we fail again despite proper planning, that’s just part of the game. But if we succeed without a plan, it’s mere coincidence. And the truth is, we’ve never really had a long-term plan for the Omid team.”

Jalali further stressed the importance of preparation and exposure: “There have been times when we had talented players, but because they lacked international friendlies and competitive experience—and because coaches often lacked international exposure themselves—we’ve been hurt in crucial moments. That’s part of the problem, but the real issue is the absence of a long-term vision. This weakness in the Omid team has directly affected the senior squad. Team Melli is now one of the oldest in the world because the youth and U-23 teams haven’t produced enough quality players to refresh the national team.”

When asked whether long-term planning and infrastructure should come before selecting a head coach, Jalali replied: “Maybe even before that! First, we need a plan. Our Omid teams have consistently underperformed, and as a result, the senior team has aged without viable replacements. If our youth and U-23 teams were successful, we’d see more young players in international competitions and eventually in the senior squad.”

Jalali also criticized the lack of continuity in grassroots development: “The few promising players who emerge often leave their clubs because they don't get enough playing time at clubs that are focused on results and have little inclination to youth development."

"Our rivals plan for years. While we struggle to do any such long-term planning. It is the same story with other youth and age group teams. These are failed experiments we keep repeating. Our football is on a downward trajectory.”

Asked about the recent elimination of Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Sepahan from Asian competitions, Jalali saw it as further evidence of decline: “Our football is sliding backward. I once said we were on the right track, but that’s no longer the case. There are many reasons for this. When I was at the federation, we diagnosed these issues and laid them out in a comprehensive plan, why we’ve reached this point. I said then that the future would be harder, and I’ll say it again. The further we go, the tougher it gets. Years ago, we were upset about not winning trophies. Now, we’re satisfied just to see our teams advance a round or two."

“Over time, we’ll face stronger competition from second-tier nations, and soon maybe even third-tier teams. Right now, we’re struggling to get past the group stage in the Asian League Two, while we once lamented not being champions of Asia. Our wealthy, big-spending clubs can’t progress in second-tier competitions. It’s clear we’re in decline, and we still haven’t found a way out.”

Omid Team failure. a result of chronic failures.

The failure to qualify from the group stages of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 came as little surprise to most observers. From the outset, South Korea and Uzbekistan were the clear favorites—footballing nations that have established themselves as formidable rivals to Iran.
What proved truly shocking, however, was Iran U23 finishing bottom of their group and failing to score a single goal across three matches.

The irony is heightened by the Sports Minister’s prior prediction that this very team would qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics. One need not be an expert to recognize why this squad struggled to compete, yet progressing beyond the group stage was the minimum expectation held by supporters. It is worth recalling that this Omid Team effectively serves as the "B" side of Team Melli. These are not untested youngsters; there are no U15 or U19 players here learning their trade. All are active in domestic leagues, with several—such as Javad Hosseinnezhad, Reza Ghandipour, and Mohammadmahdi Zare—playing abroad as legionnaires. These are grown professionals expected to compete at football’s higher levels.

The U23 team’s performance reflects the broader decline of Iranian football. It mirrors systemic issues: a lack of quality, chronic mismanagement, inadequate coaching, and poor fundamentals and professionalism. The system that produces these players is inept, chaotic, and fundamentally broken. Iranian football has long relied on individual talent to produce moments of brilliance, but even that seems to be fading within the complexities of modern football. Tellingly, one of Iran’s most promising talents in recent years, captain Javad Hosseinnezhad, was left on the bench during a critical match. Whether due to injury or other reasons, his absence extinguished any hope that individual skill might turn the tide.

Lebanon, beaten by both South Korea and Uzbekistan, managed to defeat Iran U23 1-0 via a solitary penalty. Omid needed to win at least 2-0 to assure qualification after two goal-less draws with Korea Rep and Uzbekistan. There was ample time for the coach to adjust, to shift tactics, alter formations, and inject energy into the side following Lebanon's goal. Yet Omidreza Ravankhah, arguably one of the least experienced coaches ever to lead the Omid Team, appeared out of his depth and devoid of solutions. While Ravankhah’s appointment warrants scrutiny, placing blame solely on him is misguided. The failure began many years ago within a system and an organization too dysfunctional to appoint qualified, competent leadership.

Little can be expected from figures such as FFIRI head Mehdi Taj, whose leadership is unlikely to steer Iranian football toward success. Wielding influence with backing from entities like the IRGC, he remains entrenched in power, presiding over Iranian football’s descent into a deeper crisis. If fans despair over the Omid Team’s repeated failures, the prospect of watching Team Melli at the 2026 World Cup offers little solace; the underlying issues remain unchanged.

While Iranian football has endured many shocks in recent years, one stark revelation stands out: the exposure of grassroots coaches, some of whom have never played the sport yet are tasked with training children. This unsettling fact, highlighted by an Iranian FIFA coaching instructor during a televised analysis of the Iran-Lebanon match, may well be the epitome of a failed footballing system.

Omid Team second goal-less draw. Qualificatio is in peril.

Riyadh: Head coach Ravshan Khaydarov was happy that his Uzbekistan side were able to stand their own in an intense AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C encounter with Iran on Saturday.

The goalless result favoured Uzbekistan - having defeated Lebanon 3-2 in their opening match - and set up a clash with leaders Korea Republic on Tuesday with both teams on four points.

#AFCU23 | Group C: IR Iran 0-0 Uzbekistan

“It was a very intense, exciting match,” said Khaydarov. “We know of Iran’s strength and how smart and confident they are from previous encounters, and we played with discipline and according to our game plan."

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“Our intention was to stick to our tactics and attack, test and fight on the field,” said Khaydarov, whose side can expect another bumper ride against Korea Republic.

Iran head coach Omid Ravankhah  said he had expected to pick up three points after having settled for a goalless draw with Korea Republic in their opening match.

“We came here to win, but I’m happy our players gave their best and tried hard, and thank them for their effort and dedication."

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“We couldn't make the most of our chancess today, and so we need to be more focused during our attacks to maximise our chances,” said Ravankhah, whose side will qualify if they win against Lebanon and either Korea Republic or Uzbekistan lose in their encounter.

If the Uzbekistan-Korea Republic tie ends in a stalemate and Iran win, goal difference will decide which teams progress. 

Omid Team to play in Kyrgyzstan tournament.

MANAS CUP International Football Tournament will be held in Manas city. The Kyrgyz Football Union (KFU) reported.

The national football team of Kyrgyzstan will also take the field. The matches will be held at Kurmanbek city stadium.

In addition to the host, teams from Bahrain, Iran, and Russia will also participate in the international tournament. All opponents will be represented by U23 Olympic teams.

The players will be 23 years old or younger. All participants in the upcoming games in Osh are preparing for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup final tournament, which will be held in January in Saudi Arabia.

Iran's Omid Team (U23) will be led by Omid Ravankhah, who has already called 23 players for the squad.
Amir Mehdi Maghsoudi and Aria Shafidoust from (Sepahan),
Arash Mortazavi (Zobahan),
Mohammad Hossein Sadeghi (Persepolis),
Saeed Saharkhizan and Amir Mohammad Razaghinia (Esteghlal),
Afshin Sadeghi, Erfan Jamshidi (Peykan),
Hojjat Ahmadi (Esteghlal Khuzestan),
Arshia Vosoughifar (Fajr Shahid Sepasi),
Farzin Aghagari (Shams Azar),
Hamid Reza Zarooni and Masoud Mohebi (Khyber Khorramabad)
Danial Iri, Abbas Habibi, and Mehdi Jafari (Malvan Bandar Anzali)
Omid Amiri (Nasaji Mazandaran),
Mohammad Khalifa, Seyyed Mehdi Mahdavi, and Bahram Goodarzi (Aluminum Arak),
Alireza Safari (Chador Malo Yazd)
Mohammad Javad HosseinNejad (Dinamo Makhachkala- Russia ) and
Mohammad Mehdi Zare (Akhmat Grozny- Russia).

Matches Schedule

*Iran - Russia; November 11

*Iran - Kyrgyzstan; November 14

*Iran - Bahrain; November 17

Iran U23 Secures Victory and Qualification in Hard-Fought Match Against UAE

ABU DHABI – Iran's U23 national team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against host nation UAE on Tuesday in their final Group I match of the AFC Asian U23 Cup qualifiers. The win at Al Nahayan Stadium ensured Team Omid finished as group leaders, earning automatic qualification for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

The match began with Iran displaying tactical discipline and composure, dominating possession through a strategy built on short passing combinations complemented by strategic long balls to the flanks. Despite concerns about the sweltering heat and high humidity affecting the players accustomed to Iran's milder climate, coach Omid Ravankhah's side implemented a smart game plan that managed the tempo effectively.

The first half showcased Iran's offensive prowess with three well-executed goals. The scoring opened in the 25th minute with a strike from Razzaghnia who easily slotted the ball home from the goalkeeper's rebound ball, followed by Saeid Saharkhizan doubling the lead in the 36th minute. Saharkhizan added his second goal from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute, seemingly putting Iran in complete control. UAE managed to pull one back just before halftime with Majed Al Kass finding the net in stoppage time (45+3).

Midfielder Javad Hosseinnejad delivered a majestic performance, controlling the game with his technical quality, vision, and precise passing. His influence was particularly evident in the second goal, where his immaculate free-kick delivery found Saharkhizan for a clinical finish.

The second half saw a shift in momentum following Hosseinnejad's substitution, which proved to be the match's turning point. Emboldened by the absence of Iran's midfield orchestrator, UAE increased their pressure and dominated possession, testing Iran's defensive resilience.

While UAE's finishing often lacked precision, Iran's defense remained largely organized until a costly error by Pouria Latifi-Far in the penalty area allowed UAE forward , Al-Mansoori , to rob the ball from him and capitalize to score the host's second goal, setting up a tense finale.

Despite increased pressure from the Emiratis, Iran regrouped and created several scoring opportunities, with the UAE goalkeeper making exceptional saves to deny Saharkhizan his hat-trick and keep his team in contention.

In the closing minutes, Iran regained control of the match tempo, demonstrating game management intelligence to secure the narrow victory and confirm their place in the 2026 tournament.

Final Score: UAE 2 - 3 Iran
Goalscorers:
Razzaghnia (25')
Saeid Saharkhizan (36', 42' pen)
Majed Al Kass (45+3'), Mohammed Al-Mansoori (75')

The victory marks a successful chapter for Iranian Olympic football as Team Omid continues its preparation for next year's continental showcase in Saudi Arabia.

Starting Lineup: IRAN U23
Mohammad Khalifa, Daniyal Iri, Mohammad Mehdi Zare, Arshia Vosoughifard, Seyyed Mehdi Mahdavi, Amir Mohammad Razzaghinia, Pouria Latififar, Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad, Mohammad Hossein Sadeghi, Yadgar Rostami, Saeed Saharkhizan.

Part 1: Iran’s U23 (Omid) team Coaching Appointments: Cronyism Over Competence

A review of recent coaching appointments for Iran’s U23 (Omid) team reveals a glaring truth: experience and a proven track record in high-level football were the last considerations in the selection process.

After months of delays, the Football Federation finally reached an agreement with the National Olympic Committee to assume full control of the Omid team. Yet, rather than appointing a qualified leader, the federation unveiled a head coach whose resume is shockingly inadequate for the role—sparking immediate backlash from fans and media alike.

Omidreza Ravankhah, who transitioned directly from playing into coaching, has spent his career in Iran’s lower divisions, with brief, disastrous stints in the top flight. His sole Premier League experience—with Havadar—ended in relegation after just 17 matches, yielding a pitiful 0.82 points per game. That such a record qualifies him to lead Iran’s Olympic hopefuls is nothing short of farcical.

Even within the Football Federation, dissent has surfaced. Rahman Salari, a board member, openly admitted: "I was unaware of the selection process and learned of it through the media. What upsets me is that credentials were ignored. I remain in shock—how did we go from Yahya Golmohammadi to Omid Ravankhah? Those responsible must be held accountable."

If the head coach’s appointment was baffling, the choices for his assistants border on sabotage. Ravankhah’s first deputy, Hadi Mahdavikia—brother of legendary Mehdi Mahdavikia—has zero experience coaching in Iran’s top tiers, having only worked with youth teams at the Kia Academy. Iman Mobali, though a former Team Melli player, brings limited experience as an assistant in mid-table clubs.

The most egregious misstep, however, is the appointment of Mehdi Totounchi—a sports presenter—as technical advisor. This role demands a seasoned strategist capable of guiding the coaching staff, yet Totounchi’s sole credential is a youth championship with Saipa. The message is clear: expertise is irrelevant; connections are everything.

This is more than mere cronyism—it is a brazen insult to Iranian football. The federation, under Mehdi Taj’s leadership, operates with utter impunity, disregarding meritocracy while expecting miracles from unqualified appointees.

With such a woefully inexperienced staff, Iran’s dream of ending its 50-year Olympic absence is in peril. The Omid team now resembles a ship steered by the blind, with fans left to pray for divine intervention.

Only a fool would bet on qualification under these conditions. The federation has failed—again—and the price will be paid by the players and the nation.

Analysis of Reza Enayati's Tenure in Iranian Football

Failure stories.

Last year, Iran's Omid football team faced a significant setback when they were eliminated from the Asian Olympic football competition qualifiers after a surprising defeat against Hong Kong. This loss dashed their hopes of advancing to the next stage of the Olympic qualifiers. The team's head coach, Reza Enayati, was a controversial choice due to his lack of coaching experience. His appointment came with the backing of several officials, including Team Melli's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei. Unfortunately, Enayati's inexperience was glaringly evident both in his squad selection and his management during the qualifiers. Despite having a roster filled with promising young talents, some of whom were already part of Iran's senior team, Enayati's tactical shortcomings led to the team's early exit against a modest Hong Kong side.

The aftermath of this failure was met with widespread disappointment from both the media and fans, who demanded accountability from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI). However, no significant actions were taken, and the pervasive impunity in Iranian football continued unabated. Surprisingly, despite this major setback, Enayati was soon appointed as the head coach of Peykan Football Club, one of Tehran's oldest and most prestigious teams. This decision was perplexing, especially given Peykan's history of developing young players for Iran's national teams at various levels.

Enayati's tenure at Peykan proved to be another disastrous chapter in his coaching career. Under his leadership, the team suffered relegation from the Premier League following a 0-2 defeat against Esteghlal in the final week of the season. This relegation marked a significant blow, as Peykan had been a mainstay in the top flight for many years. Tehran's football scene also took a hit, losing one of its Premier League representatives.

Given these consecutive failures, it raises questions about whether any CEO would be willing to entrust Enayati with a team for the next season. However, it appears that those who supported Enayati's appointment despite his failure with the Omid team may once again find a new opportunity for him.

Enayati's situation is emblematic of broader issues within Iranian football, including incompetency, corruption, and nepotism. The rapid progression of former players to coaching roles without adequate training, certification, or experience is a troubling trend. Coaches like Nekounam, Shojaei, and Navidkia are examples of individuals who have been given significant coaching responsibilities without meeting international standards. In contrast, European leagues often require formal coaching certifications and a thorough vetting process before appointments, a practice largely ignored in Iran.

This lack of process and disregard for international coaching standards not only hampers the development of Iranian football but also undermines its credibility on the global stage. For Iranian football to progress, there needs to be a significant overhaul in how coaches are trained, certified, and appointed, ensuring that competence and meritocracy replace the current culture of favoritism and expediency.