Mehdi Torabi’s recent outburst was not just a complaint—it was a bombshell revelation about the corrupt power dynamics controlling Iran’s national football team. The usually reserved Tractor Tabriz winger, known for his quiet demeanor, shocked fans by exposing what many have long suspected: Team Melli is not run by the coach, but by a powerful clique of players who dictate call-ups, tactics, and even team selections.
Torabi’s Rebellion: A Breaking Point for Team Melli
Torabi is not a troublemaker. He rarely speaks out, avoids controversy, and has never been one to rock the boat. So why now?
Because the rot in Team Melli has reached unbearable levels.
In his explosive interview, Torabi stopped short of naming names, but his message was clear:
“The criteria for selection in Team Melli are not based on merit. Personal relationships, favoritism, and outside influences decide who gets called up. This is a betrayal of the fans and the sport.”
His words confirm what insiders have whispered for years—a shadowy “player mafia” controls the national team, manipulating coaches, administrators, and even the FFIRI (Iranian Football Federation).
The Gang Behind the Curtain: Who Are They?
While Torabi avoided direct accusations, multiple sources within Team Melli point to two key figures as the ringleaders:
1. Alireza Jahanbakhsh – The Declining Star Who Won’t Let Go
- Once a Golden Boot winner in the Dutch league (21 goals in 2017/18), Jahanbakhsh’s career has plummeted since his failed move to Brighton.
- Last seven seasons (140 games, 14 goals) – a pathetic 0.082 goals per game for club.
- For Team Melli (since 2018): 13 goals in 57 games (0.23 per game) – hardly the stats of an irreplaceable star.
- Yet, despite his decline, he remains untouchable, taking minutes from younger, hungrier players like Torabi.
Why? Because he wields influence behind the scenes, leveraging his status to maintain his place regardless of form.
2. Mehdi Taremi – The Undisputed Leader (On and Off the Pitch)
- Unlike Jahanbakhsh, Taremi’s club performances (until recently) justified his place—his Porto stint was stellar.
- But his disastrous move to Inter Milan (minimal impact in a failed title bid) raises questions about his current level.
- More troubling, however, is his reported role as the locker room’s “godfather.”
- Insiders claim he dictates team politics, influencing call-ups and sidelining those who challenge his authority.
How the “Player Mafia” Operates
- Pressure on Coaches – Senior players threaten unrest if their preferred teammates are excluded.
- Favoritism Over Merit – Underperforming veterans (like Jahanbakhsh) keep their spots, while in-form players (like Torabi) are ignored.
- Backroom Deals – Rumors persist of agents and federation officials colluding with player cliques to maintain control.
Why Nothing Changes
- FFIRI is Weak & Complicit – The federation lacks the will (or courage) to investigate.
- No Independent Oversight – Unlike in Europe, where media and federations hold power players accountable, Iran’s system protects the status quo.
- Political Protection – As long as the team qualifies for tournaments, no one in power cares how the sausage is made.
What Happens Next?
- Torabi’s Career in Jeopardy – Will he be blacklisted like Ahmad Noorollahi?
- Ghalenoei’s Choice – Will he crack down on player power or kowtow to the mafia to save his job?
- Fan Backlash – If corruption isn’t cleaned up, Team Melli’s credibility will collapse entirely.
The Big Question: Will Anyone Be Held Accountable?
Torabi has broken the silence, but unless:
- Media keeps pressure up,
- Fans demand transparency,
- FFIRI is forced to act,
Nothing will change.
Team Melli belongs to the people of Iran, not a privileged few. It’s time to take it back.
Who’s with Torabi?