Month: December 2024

Iranian President Orders Ban on Football Legend Ali Daei to Be Lifted

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the country’s sports minister to lift the ban on football legend Ali Daei, the Etemad newspaper, which is closely aligned with the presidential office, reported on Tuesday.

This move clears the way for Daei to return to football, a decision seen by many as an attempt to quell political unrest in the country. The former national team captain, who is highly revered in Iran, was banned from football-related activities by authorities after publicly supporting the mass protests that erupted in September 2022. The protests, which were ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini—an Iranian Kurdish woman who died in police custody after being detained for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress codes—saw widespread participation, including from many prominent figures such as Daei.

Daei’s popularity among the masses surged during the uprising, with many seeing him as a symbol of resistance against the government’s oppressive policies. His support for the protests, including his public calls for justice for Amini, made him a hero to many, particularly in the context of his status as a national sports icon. Despite the government’s decision to lift the ban, Daei has firmly refused to engage in any football activities under the current circumstances.

The football federation in Iran, often criticized for its ties to the government and its politicized nature, is seen by many as heavily influenced by the country’s ruling elite, including leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This connection has prompted Daei to reject any involvement in football administration as long as the federation remains under the control of those who enforce the government’s political agenda. In earlier statements, Daei made it clear that he would not participate in football activities unless the circumstances in Iran change and the sport is allowed to function independently of political pressures.

Despite Daei’s reluctance to return to the field or take on any official roles in the current climate, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time remains unquestioned. He played in Germany from 1997 to 2002, representing clubs like Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin, and is the most-capped player in Iranian football history, with 149 international appearances until Javad Nekounam over took him. His goal-scoring achievements are also remarkable—Daei is the third-highest scorer in international football with 109 goals, behind only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

The decision to lift Daei’s ban is widely regarded as a gesture to ease tensions within the country, but it also underscores the ongoing political and social struggles within Iranian football, where figures like Daei, who are seen as independent of government influence, remain at odds with the politicized sports institutions.



Statistics: Mohammad Mohebi


Although not a regular starter, Mohammad Mohebi has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for Team Melli in their pursuit of World Cup qualification. Currently playing for the Russian side FC Rostov, Mohebi has demonstrated his versatility and skill, earning praise from both fans and critics alike.

Despite being sidelined by injuries that temporarily disrupted his contributions for both club and country, Mohebi’s quality was evident upon his return. His ability to make an impact was clear, and his performances were met with widespread appreciation. His six goals in 2024, primarily operating as a right winger, were a remarkable achievement given that he only started eight matches throughout the year.

What sets Mohebi apart is his adaptability. Beyond excelling as a right winger, he has also proven effective in central midfield and as a number nine, showcasing his capability to adapt to the team’s needs. This flexibility makes him a highly valuable player for Team Melli’s coaches, who regard him as a reliable option in multiple roles.

When fit, Mohebi is a strong contender for a spot in Team Melli. His performances for both club and country reaffirm his status as a high-quality player capable of delivering results in crucial moments.

Statistics: Saman Ghoddos


After a challenging period of uncertainty, when Team Melli midfielder Saman Ghoddos found himself out of contract and without a club, he made a surprising move to a modest club in the UAE—a stark contrast to his previous stints in European football. Despite this shift, Ghoddos continues to shine as a cornerstone of Team Melli’s midfield, an area often criticized for its lack of depth and creativity.

In a team struggling with a dearth of skilled playmakers, Ghoddos stands out as a rare gem. His exceptional vision and precise ball distribution make him indispensable. Time and again, he has taken on the responsibility of orchestrating the midfield, linking defense with attack through timely passes, initiating offensive moves, and providing his teammates with opportunities through remarkable foresight.

Without Ghoddos, Team Melli’s coaching staff often resorts to direct, long-ball tactics, highlighting the void left by his absence. No other player in the squad matches his ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball with such finesse. While his statistics may not always be headline-grabbing, his influence on the field is undeniable. Ghoddos not only elevates the team’s performance but also instills confidence in his teammates.

As a key figure in Team Melli’s lineup, Saman Ghoddos is more than just a player—he is a symbol of resilience and a vital cog in the team’s ambitions. His presence remains a beacon of hope for a midfield yearning for consistency and brilliance.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi


Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.


The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Statistics: Sardar Azmoun

Sardar Azmoun had an outstanding year with Team Melli, leading the Persians to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Following his transition from the elite European leagues to the less prestigious Persian Gulf Football, there were concerns that the star player might experience a decline in performance, which had prompted his transfer.

However, Azmoun defied expectations. His exceptional goal-scoring ability, combined with his vision and awareness to create spectacular assists for his teammates, proved to be the driving force behind Team Melli’s success. The year 2024 stood out as one of Azmoun’s most successful years with Team Melli, showcasing his prowess and solidifying his status as a key player for the national team.

Azmoun is now the second-highest Team Melli Goal scorer after the Legendary Ali Daei.


This illustration captures the essence of Azmoun’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Mehdi Taremi Struggles as Inter Falls to Leverkusen in Champions League Clash

Inter Milan faced Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated Round 6 UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, December 10, at the BayArena. The game ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team, marking Inter’s first defeat in the tournament this season. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, a summer free-transfer acquisition, was part of Inter’s starting lineup but was substituted in the 85th minute after another underwhelming performance.

A Night of Missed Opportunities

Mehdi Taremi’s performance has come under scrutiny, with Italian media voicing their disappointment. The reputable outlet Calciomercato summed up the game succinctly:

“Inter’s first defeat in the Champions League came by a small margin on Leverkusen’s home turf. Despite the setback, the loss is part of an otherwise strong campaign by Inzaghi’s side, who experimented with lineup changes. However, Taremi has yet to meet expectations, particularly in crucial matches like these.”

Inzaghi had expressed confidence in Taremi during a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, stating:

“He plays because he deserves it. He trains very well and understands the competition within the squad. Every time he’s played, he has shown quality.”

Yet on the pitch, Taremi failed to deliver. The former Porto forward, celebrated for his experience and scoring prowess, has struggled to replicate his success at Porto in Italy. Tuesday’s match was no different, as Taremi failed to register a single shot on target in his sixth Champions League start.

A Season Below Expectations

Since joining Inter, Taremi has scored only once in 16 appearances—a solitary goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. Expectations were high for the 31-year-old, whose transfer was seen as a strategic move to bolster Inter’s attack. However, his inability to impact games, particularly in high-stakes situations, has left fans and analysts questioning his place in the squad.

Social media criticism has intensified following the defeat against Leverkusen, with a section of the fanbase expressing frustration over Taremi’s lack of productivity. In Serie A, his opportunities have been limited; he has started only once this season, playing second fiddle to Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.

A Hard-Working but Struggling Player

To his credit, Taremi’s work ethic on the field remains commendable. The matches he has started have often been challenging fixtures, where the pressure to deliver is immense. Despite his struggles, Inzaghi has reiterated his belief in Taremi’s abilities.

While his contributions so far have been described as “lackluster” rather than entirely negative, Taremi has yet to prove he can be a decisive player for Inter. The season is far from over, and the Iranian striker still has time to turn things around. However, patience among fans is wearing thin, and his current trajectory leaves much to be desired.

A Chance for Redemption

Inter’s campaign in both domestic and European competitions continues, providing Taremi with opportunities to silence his critics. Whether he can rise to the occasion and become the impactful player Inter envisioned remains to be seen. For now, the final verdict on his season is on hold, but the clock is ticking for Taremi to demonstrate his worth in an Inter jersey.

Challenges Facing Team Melli and Iranian Football: A Deep Dive into Management, Performance, and Future Prospects

The dust has temporarily settled after the intense criticism that followed Team Melli’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Amir Ghalenoei, the national team coach, and the players found themselves under fire from the media, critics, and fans alike. This debate extended beyond football, touching on sensitive issues such as patriotism, loyalty, and politics. Social media is rife with claims that the current national team no longer represents the Iranian people, with a growing sentiment that it lacks widespread support.

There was also criticism within the team as Sardar Azmoun, the savior of Team Melli against Kyrgyzstan with a splendid winner, admitted that Team Melli lacks professional mentality after the match.

Discontent with Team Performance

A key source of dissatisfaction is Team Melli’s underwhelming performances, particularly in the second halves of matches. Both North Korea and Kyrgyzstan managed to score two goals each against Iran’s fragile defense, and only the woodwork prevented Korea from securing an equalizer. These second-half collapses have left many fans frustrated.

However, much of the criticism has been directed at Amir Ghalenoei himself. His appointment after Carlos Queiroz’s departure following the 2022 World Cup was controversial. Ghalenoei’s tenure has been marked by strained relations with critics and a lack of public rapport. Instead of addressing concerns about his defensive strategies with confidence, Ghalenoei has accused his detractors of unpatriotic behavior or personal grudges—an approach that has done little to calm tensions but much to turn the former Esteghlal player and coach into a hated figure.

Prominent Critics Speak Out

Ghalenoei’s critics include high-profile media figures and former Team Melli coaches. Jalal Cheragpour , former Team Melli coach, has openly stated that Ghalenoei is not up to the job and should be replaced before the next World Cup. TV anchor Javad Khiabani launched impassioned critiques, highlighting the lack of professionalism and etiquette among some national team players, which he deemed unfit for international representation.

Ebrahim Ghasempour, a member of Iran’s 1978 World Cup team, who played with legends such as Ghleechkhani, Hejazi, Rowshan, Parvin, has also weighed in on the broader issues afflicting Iranian football. He cited systemic failures in both club and national setups, emphasizing that the foundations of Iranian football are weak.

Systemic Issues in Iranian Football

Ghasempour pointed to poor management and the absence of proper infrastructure as critical challenges. “The backbone of our national team is our clubs, but they face a myriad of problems,” he explained. He criticized the performances of Iran’s premier clubs, Persepolis and Esteghlal, in recent Asian competitions, where they struggled against relatively weaker teams. Esteghlal, for example, failed to beat Al-Rayyan, a second-tier Qatari club.

The veteran footballer highlighted a troubling trend: Iran’s failure to achieve results in international competitions across all levels. From the senior national team’s empty-handed returns from the AFC Asian Cup to the U23 team’s failure to qualify for the Olympics, Iranian football has struggled to make a mark.

Mismanagement and Wasted Resources

According to Ghasempour, decades of mismanagement have left Iranian football stagnant. Clubs lack proper tools and infrastructure, despite significant financial resources flowing into the sport, mainly from the government. These funds are often misallocated or squandered. For example, grassroots development in clubs like Foolad Khuzestan and Sepahan exists in name only, as few academy graduates are promoted to senior teams.

This lack of a pipeline has also affected Esteghlal and Persepolis, Iran’s most popular clubs. Despite their large fan bases, these teams rarely field players from their own academies. Instead, they spend billions of tomans on player salaries without seeing a proportional return on investment.

Ghasempour lamented the poor quality of players and astronomical wages, stating, “A player earning 40 or 50 billion tomans often lacks basic skills, like passing accurately to a teammate. These contracts need serious scrutiny.”

The Path Forward

Ghasempour believes the solution lies in overhauling football management at every level, from the Football Federation to local clubs. He called for competent skilled leaders with practical plans to take charge, rather than the current nepotistic system where posts are handed to relatives and close friends. “If we want to elevate Iranian football, we must start at the top,” he concluded. “Only then can we hope for real growth.”