The plight of Masoud Shojaei-Soleimani , took an interesting turn today.

A local website quoting Real Valladolid club insider said that the club roster is full with its quota of foreign players (Non Spanish Passport holders), hence the chances of the Iranian Shojaei joining Real Valladolid is quite remote, unless Shojaei changes his citizenship to become Spanish ! Shojaei has been having talks with the La Liga club but the outcome of the talks was not publicly announced.  This unofficial announcement is the first hint of the outcome of the Iranian player’s talk with the Spanish club.

Masoud Shojaei, the Team Melli forward has been released by Osasuna and is a free agent , which means that he can sign for any club he wishes for free and no transfer fees exchanged. However, Shaojei so far has found it quite difficult to select a suitable club in the La Liga , his preferred league.

The Team Melli player, Shojaei, has gone through a tough period of injury lasting over one season. On his recovery , he found it difficult to win a place in the starting line up of Osasuna and sometimes he even did not make the bench. Eventually Osasuna released him. With the World Cup starting less than a year, it is crucial for Shojaei to play regularly at the highest level possible in order to make the roster, although Queiroz had a every unusual trust in the player’s ability by picking him for the squad and playing him as soon as he recovered from his injury. Shojaeoi, though , has yet to shine for Team Melli and answer Queiroz confidence in him, no doubt the injury has had it effect on this skillful player.

Team Melli U-16 team has to compete in the deadly city of Karachi , the scene of a recent deadly bomb last targeting football.

A bomb blast as fans left a football stadium in Karachi on Tuesday night killed at least 11 spectators and injured dozens more. Most of the casualties are reported to be children. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has nominated the city of Karachi as the host for AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers staring next month.

 The bomb blast came a few days after the AFC’s dismissal of a warning submitted by the Iranian Football Federation FFIRI expressing deep concern that the venue for the youth qualifying tournaments, the City of Karachi , is not a safe place due to a series on bomb blast, political assassinations and targeting of ethnics groups.. AFC thinks otherwise and the request for change of venue was denied.

 Karachi is the largest city and the commercial center of the Islamic Republic Pakistan a country that is entangled in serious political tensions, ethnic conflicts, terrorism resulting in spate of terrifying bomb attacks. A large minority of Shia Muslims is resident in this city and the Shia , in particular, have been targeted by suicide bombers and deadly attacks by the extremist Islamic groups.

  In a statement issued by AFC president today,  Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has called for an end to the attacks on sports events, especially football, in the continent.  In the statement following the deadly bomb attacks, the Bahraini President expressing deep anguish at the death of eight football fans in Karachi’s bomb blast after a four-a-side Ramadan tournament final, Shaikh Salman said that sport should be used as a tool to promote peace.

He referred to the hosting of the U- 16 qualifiers “We are following the rise in popularity of football in Pakistan and we are confident that the AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers will give a further boost to the efforts carried out by the Pakistan Football Federation,”.  However, he did not specifically mention anything about the security precautions that have to be taken after this incident and whether the AFC has delegated a special task force to look into the safety and security level of this dangerous city.

The seriousness of that bomb blast is described to the media by several witnesses and officials

The bomb, which contained ball bearings to inflict the maximum damage, was situated deliberately to target fans as they filed out of the ground.

“When the match ended, we came out and as soon as we came out there was a blast,” Ameer Ali, who was injured in the blast, told Reuters. “Everyone started running in panic. Many people were hit, which scared everyone.”

Speaking to AFP FIFA referee Ahmed Jan said: “Football is dying. It died, maybe, for the last time on Tuesday. If the government fails to maintain law and order soon then I’m afraid this sport’s most loving part of the city will not be there on the sporting map.”

The match was between two teams named after a local gang leader who earlier in the year was accused of beheading a rival and then using his head as a football.

There is no word yet for the Iranian side who raised the alarm in the first place  against the hosting of Karachi due to g security concerns, but whatever the case, it seems that insistence by the AFC for Karachi to host this tournament under such hazardous conditions is putting unnecessary pressure on footballers and fans and risking the life the participants.

United states Government sources have categorized Karachi as a security risk. The following is an extract of their analysis:

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Karachi and other areas of Sindh and Baluchistan provinces continues to experience high levels of violence characterized by bombings, targeted killings, sectarian strife, kidnappings for ransom, and frequent demonstrations. American citizens, U.S. interests, and other Westerners are at risk of becoming targets of violence.

Crime Threats

Crime and safety are major concerns. Criminal gangs, often with political party affiliations, operate with impunity in most parts of the city, and some areas of Karachi effectively are cut off from police. Violent crime continued upward trends, and 2012 can be categorized as among the most deadly and violent years ever recorded in Karachi.

The following crime statistics are based on reporting by the Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) and local law enforcement reports; however, many crimes remain unreported:

2,032 targeted killings (murders associated with political, sectarian or terrorist groups) 
1,790 kidnappings for ransom
4,720 vehicle thefts with approximately 42 percent recovered 
18,774 motorcycle thefts with approximately 12 percent recovered
23,962 cell phone thefts

 Iran is competing in the AFC U-16 Championship qualifiers round along with host Pakistan, Sri lanka and the UAE from 25^th to 29^th of September with all matches being played in the People’s stadium in Karachi.

References:

News report AFC denies Iran’s venue change request. (Farsi)

Karachi lacks security for hosting the u-16 matches (Farsi)

Team Melli maintained its rank unchanged from last month at  52 in the world in the latest FIFA ranking published by the World Football body on Thursday.

However, Iran overtook South Korea into the third place in Asia for yet another humiliation to its bitter rival whom Iran defeated twice in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers. South Korea dropped 13 places in the overall ranking to 56  with four steps below Iran. Japan with 695 points in the 37th and Australia with 630 in the 46th position are still at the top of the Continental ranking table ahead of Iran on 601 points and South Korea at 594.

The three team in Iran group of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup are ranked as followed.

Kuwait : 304 points in 112 (12 in Asia)
Lebanon : 277 points in 120 (17 in Asia)
Thailand : 223 points in 137 (20 in Asia)

Bangkok.

The National football team of Thailand was handsomely defeated by Barcelona in a friendly match in Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday. The star studded Catalan club with all their stars making an appearance overwhelmed the hapless Thai team 7-1 with Merci. Thailand is preparing for the upcoming match in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Iran. A win is crucial for  the Thai team to keep their hope of qualifying for the tournament in Australia alive as currently they have 0 points from two matches against Kuwait at home and Lebanon away.

The match attracted a near capacity crowd in Bangkok. Neymar, the Brazilian star and Barca’s recent signing opened scoring early on , then Lionel Messi got on the scoring sheet before Pedro scored his 1st of three in the match. Messi helped himself to another while Sanchez also scored in the second half. From minute 53 onwards, Barcelona stopped scoring despite going close on numerous occasions. The 2nd half saw a complete different Barcelona team consisting mainly of reserve players and new signings.

While Thailand is arranging strong friendly matches against world class opposition,( including a previous match against Chelsea) to prepare for the match against Iran in 68 days, Team Melli has failed to arrange any friendlies since its last match against South Korea in Ulsan where they clinched direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.  A schedule camp in August including a friendly match against Ghana in Portugal was cancelled by the football federation due to lack of funds !

Team Melli is currently leading the group with 4 points on goal difference with Kuwait.

Ali Kaffashian acknowledged that Football federation has received instruction not to facilitate, support or assist in the transfer of Iranian players to the UAE.

In an interview with ISNA, the head of the FFIRI stated that after the spiteful re-naming of the UAE Professional football league into a fake one, an act which is considered by the Iranians to be politically driven, inflammatory and provocative, the Iranian authorities have asked the football federation FFIRI to prevent and cease in aiding the transfer of any Iranian players to the UAE.

However, Kaffashian insisted that in Khalatbary’s case, there is nothing that can be done as his transfer happened before the  provocative act of the UAE football league.  The penalty clause of Khalatbary with Ajman mentions a 1 million dollar compensation to be paid to the club in case he leaves the club before the end of the contact. “ Nekounam’s case was different as the negotiation was going on and during this renaming process . The player realized the sensitivity of his move and refrained from pursuing it any further.” Kaffashian said in reference to the transfer talks held between Team Melli Captain and Al Sharjah club.

Kaffashian said that he was asked by the CEO of Perspolis Rouyanian , what can he (Kaffashaian) do to release Khalatbary from the contract ?  “I said to him, we will do anything possible expect for  financial reimbursement or payments.”

Commenting on Team Melli team “We have 6 or 7 games planned up to the start of the World Cup.  Everything will be clear by November. We have several teams from Asia, Africa and Latin America in mind which we will announce as soon as we sign the agreements with them.” Kaffashian decline to name the teams concerned.

Kaffashian was asked by the reporter whether the appointment of a new sport minister will ease the pressure on the football federation and his own administration in particular, Kaffashian laughed off the mention of the word “pressure” and said that the only pressure they feel is the ones from the media and that has not eased off by any means.

the Persian Gulf , the name of the body of water separating the Iranian plateau from the Arabian Peninsula, which historically , officially and internationally is known as the Persian Gulf, is being changed by Arab nationalist movements since the 60’s, into Arab Gulf in defiance to the international community and the United Nation.

 

Iran’s U17 team concluded its participation in the Hope International cup by defeating Rangers of Hong Kong 6-0. The goals were scored by Babak Abdollahzadeh (2 goals) , Reza Sharbati , Faraz Imam Ali, Moein Ranjbarian, MohammadReza Soleimani.  With that result , Iran finished with one win , one draw and one defeat.

Following the match against Hong Kong , Team Melli U17 played a friendly match against the Chinese club,  Liaoning on Sunday 4th. The young Iranians were at top form and rattled the Chinese team with 5 goals for a 5-0 win.

The Iranians will leave China tomorrow en-route to Tehran via Doha.

 

Alireza Jahanbakhsh , the ex Damash Player and team Melli U21 Captain , has made his debut in the Eredivisie (Netherlands League) for his club NEC Nijmegen at Goffertstadion stadium.

The 19 years old Iranian started the second half as a substitute for  C. Celik while NEC was trailing Groningen 2-1 at half time. He could not do anything significant to help his team in what was a lackluster performance as the match ended in a comprehensive 1- 4 defeat for the home team.  A crowd of 10,200 fans witnessed the Iranian youngster play his first game in Holland , unfortunately the match result was not a one to remember for either.

The first round of the  18 team Eredivisie began on Saturday. Groningen leads the table after the first round with this win at NEC.

In an earlier interview before the match , Jahanbaksh expressed his satisfaction with his condition and although he joined the training camp late , Jahanbakhsh said that he is working harder to reach the fitness level required for the competition. He also said that his team is young and lacks the experience , however , they will be doing their utmost best to avoid the troubles of last season when they were on the brink of relegation.

 

A Chilean website has reported that Chile national football team will be playing a friendly match against Iran on September 10^th.  “ To avoid losing the day, the NPPA scheduled a friendly against Iran’s national team that day in the stadium Sanchez Rumoroso of Coquimbo.” Reported the website latercera.com

“This was confirmed by the mayor of Coquimbo, Christian Galleguillos who told Radio Cooperativa, that the Chilean football  Association has made an ​​official request to prepare the venue of this friendly match.” According to the report.

The match will be played after the important encounter where  Chile hosts Venezuela in Santiago, Friday, September 6.  A duel that could leave the team in an excellent position to qualify directly to the World Cup. Then, the “Reds” (Chile football Team)  will leave the capital to play Iran.

There was no word of confirmation about this match from FFIRI.

Addendum news:

Mr Mehdi Nabi , FFIRI Secretary General confirmed that the Chile match is being studied by his federation but no decisions has been reached yet. When contacted by the ISNA news agency to confirm the Chilean website report, the FFIRI official said that they have to seek the approval of the Team Melli coach, who is apparently not in Iran before a final decision is reached.

Nabi also said that there are another two proposals from two different teams for a friendly match on the same date. When asked by the reporter which teams have requested friendly match against Team Melli, the official declined to answer and said that such information will remain a secret “If I mention any names and it becomes public , that might lead to creating problems and that match might not occur!” Nabi said in what sounds like a mysterious logic only known to himself.

 

The endless saga of Team Melli players transfer irregularities continues.

Payam Sadeghian, the promising young players and memeber of Team Melli who played for Zob Ahan last season but currently is a Perspolis player, is facing disciplinary and legal action because of that transfer. Zob Ahan spokesman , Kamran Shirzadi told Mehr news agency that “Payam Sadeghian is a Zob Ahan player. He is under contract with the club up to 21 November 2013. In no way he can play for another team without the approval of Zob Ahan.”

Shirzadi said that his club has already filed a case against the player and Perspolis club for illegaly using a Zob Ahan player.

It remains a mystery why Zob Ahan was quiet all this time while Sadeghina did not report for training with his club and whther they waited for Sadeghian to make his appearance for his new club to make their legal move. If Zob Ahan case is credible and no release papers were issued by Zob Ahan , the player should have never been able to register for any other club according to Iranian federation rules. Shirzadi said he is confident that Sadeghain will be back in Zob Ahan but he is free to leave after he serves his contract!

If the Disciplinary committee of FFIRI rules in favor of Zob Ahan, Perspolis who used Sadeghian in the second half of the match against Tractorsazi and whose assist resulted in the winning goal , Perspolis will be declared a loser by 3-0 on technical ground. That is the standard FIFA ruling for fielding an ineligible player in an official competition. It is also the standard for most football associations , however, it remains to be seen whether a decision to award Tractorsazi a 3-0 forfeit victory over Perspolis , will actually occur.

Perspolis is in another major trouble with players transfer. Abolghasim Dehnavi’s case is still not concluded as claimed by the CEO Rouyanian earlier this month. Sepahan has filed a case against the player for fraud and deceit with the Esfahan public prosecutor. The Esfahani  club claims that Dehnavi has fraudulently obtained money from the club after signing a contract , then left to Perspolis and played for them while officially a Sepahan player! This is a serious accusation in Iranian law and carries a long prison term if found guilty.

 Payam Sadeghian and Abolghasim Dehnavi are both invited to Team Melli that was announced by Queiroz recently.

The drama and the pandemonium continue to mar the start of the Iranian football season.

Interestingly enough , Perspolis will be the guest of Zob Ahan on Friday 2nd August in the second round of the Persian Gulf Cup league match. Perspolis currently has 3 points , while Zob Ahan lost their opener 2-0 to the new comers Esteghlal Sanati Khuzestan.