The head of Iran football federation declared that his federation has something like 1/20th of the budget of the Japanese and Korean federations and is way behind the Arab neighbors in sporting infrastructure.
Talking to the press during the opening ceremony of a football management symposium, Ali Kaffashian said that his federation is awaiting a road mapby Carlos Querioz after Team Melli’s coach return from holiday, in which the preparation plans for Team Melli in the aftermath of the Qualification to FIFA World Cup, will be laid.
Kafashian said “ Queiroz is demanding that Iran arranges friendly games against strong teams to enable the players to get used to facing powerful oppositions , such experiences will assist in mitigating any fear or barrier of facing high class strong team in the World Cup.” However , Kaffashian has already hinted his federations budget limitations , which might mean that the federation cannot afford to spend too much on arranging friendlies, the way other Asian teams like Japan and South Koreas.
Kafashian also indicated that his federation has done well in the past few months. “ success of our football federation should not be measured by the qualification of Team Melli to the World Cup only. There has been other accomplishments at youth levels and the continuing of the Futsal team success is something to be proud of , particularly the women futsal team that despite wearing Hijab , has managed to win the Silver medal of the Asian Indoor games. Overall we do have lots of successes.”
The head of Iran football federation with all his customary modestly said “ I personally had little influence in the success of Team Melli and its qualification to the World Cup.” That is clearly a fact, but interestingly enough, he attributed the Team’s qualification to God’s well and peoples prayer’s.
“We need to think from now how to prepare a powerful team for the 2016 Rio Olympics games . We have to qualify as the aspiration and the expectation of the fans is so high now that we cannot afford not to qualify.”
Referring to Queiroz, Kafashian said that “He extended his leave by a week after his visit to Brazil where he inspected facilities and met with FIFA official and Brazilian football personalities. Queiroz should be presenting his plans to us within 10 days.”
“Queiroz requires the arrangement of friendly matches with strong teams to prepare Team Melli for the world cup. We will do our best to accommodate him within our abilities and limitations” Kafashan added.
“The picture will be clearer after the draw for the World Cup which will be held in November of this year, in which we should have a pretty good idea how to proceed and which teams are available.” Kafashaina Added. He also mentioned that there are already some requests for friendly matches, which if Queiroz agrees to , we will finalize with the other party” Kaffashian refused to name the teams , however, he was most probably referring to South Korea’s request for a friendly , cum revenge , match against Team Melli according to South Korean FA spokesman.