Alireza Mansourian has resigned as the coach of Team Melli U-22, days before the start of the AFC Asian U-22 Cup.

Human Afazeli will take over from Mansourian , according to FFIRI officials, although Afazeli has said that a deal has not been set as he needs to discuss terms with the football federation.

Mansourian , who had a long meeting with the federation officials on Tuesday , emerged from the meeting announcing his resignation because of the difficulties he has recently faced in his job. The main reason as quoted by the ex-Esteghlal midfielder was the reluctance of club coaches in releasing players for the U-22 camp or friendly games. “Under such conditions, I don’t see myself continuing coaching the team “ Mansourian was quoted

It is also believed that Mansourian was not very happy about the disclosure of the news that the Portuguese coach Vingada is on the brink of signing a 3 years contract to coach the Olympic team. That move by FFIRI was seen as a stabbing in the back by Mansourian who always thought that he is in charge of the Olympic or U-23 team despite the non-existence of an official contract.

Human Afazeli has acted as the coach for the Olympic team on emergency basis before. The last time Afazeli was in charge, he relinquished the task to Mansourian during the qualification rounds for the London Olympics.

Afazeli is an experienced  young coach who has worked with several top coaches in Iran , including Branko Ivankovic. Afazeli was also the assistant coach of Team Melli during Daei’s era.