Ali Kaffashin , the head of FFIRI criticized Alireza Mansourian  for reigning his post as the head coach of the Team Melli U-22 teams a fortnight before the team taking part in the Inaugural Asian U-22 Championship in Muscat Oman.

Kaffashain said “Mansourian should not have left the team in such critical stage. We have made it clear that the priority for us is the participation of Team Melli in the FIFA World Cup. This takes precedence over all other activities at the moment and as such even the League program is adjusted to serve the needs of the World Cup training schedule. Team Melli U-22 is of a lower priority”

Kaffashian , did not agree with Mansourian reasoning and said  “ although Iran would have been the main title contender in Muscat , if we sent a full strength team , we have accepted the fact that under-strength U-22 team is a good enough team and we are look for participating rather than winning the title. Other priorities has dictated this and we accepted it, hence Mansourian was not in line with our objectives.”

Human Afazeli , who was working alongside Mansourian in the U-22 team has agreed to take over the head coach post from Mansourian.

Kaffashian disclosed that an official offer was given to Vingada to coach Iran’s Ol, ympics team or the U-23 team, knows as “Omid Team”. The FFIRI is awaiting a response from the Portuguese coach. Kaffashian admitted that the FFIRI offer to Vingada might not be too attractive due to lack of financial resources of the federation, but hoped that the Portuguese coach might be tempted to work in Iran and be close to his friend & compatriot Carlos Queiroz.