Mehdi Taj, the president of the IRIFF said that he will be meeting with Commandar Baran Cheshmeh to discus the status of the Team Melli players who are currently serving the mandatory two years conscription but are not allowed to play for Team Melli or leave the country.

In one of those weird ruling in Iran, a person under military service or conscription may play for a few selected clubs associated with the military including leaving with the club abroad , but the same is denied for Team Melli. This ridiculous ruling has deprived Team Melli throughout the years from many valuable players  because they could not leave the country. Recently Carlos Queiroz was vocal about this rule and demanded that the rule be abolished as the players are in fact serving their country by playing for Team Melli.

Taj said “If the rules does not permit a footballer under the military service to leave the country , then it has to be applied across the board at club and Team Melli level. The rules are not applied fairly. Of course we want to resolve the problem and I am hopeful our colleagues in the military will be cooperative and responsive in resolving this issue.”

Taj was attending a military function to honor athletes.

Asked about Queiroz’s whereabouts and why is he is absent while the league has already started , Taj declined to mention a specific date of Queiroz’s return to resume duty with Team Melli. “He will be back in Tehran in due time.” Taj said. The Portuguese coach spends most of his time outside of Iran.

Taj also responded to a question about Mehrdad Pooladi , the left back of Team Melli. “Of course we will pursue his case as we have not given up on him as a valuable player for Team Melli, but the ball is in the court of the military. In any case , our priority with the military is to seek the release of the local players first.”

Taj also stated that he is totally against spectators ban as a punishment for the clubs. Esteghlal’s first match was played in Azadi without fans as a punishment for their fans behavior last season.” I am against banning the crowds from stadium and have asked the Disciplinary Committee to look at other means of punitive action rather than crowds banning.”