Ali Kaffashian , the head of FFIRI claims that he was absolutely shocked and stunned by Iran’s youth team (U-19) after the loss against Yemen and subsequent elimination from the competition at the group stage.
Iran lost 1-0 to Yemen and 2-1 in the first match against Thailand to remain pointless and hopeless for the next round of AFC Asian U-19 Championship 2014 held in Yangon, Myanmar.
“I was really stunned and shocked by what happened to the youth team . After the defeat against Yemen, I could hardly sleep”
Kaffashian said that the federation emphatically has done its utmost best to support this team. “The Youth team (U19) had a total of 260 days of training camp, Whatever the coaching team demanded, we genuinely tried to accommodate and have succeeded to high degree in providing the support. We supported this team to a level which was not possible with other teams. On top of all that , we have spent a total of 1.5 billion toman to prepare this team.”
“To enhance our chances for the best representation of the country at this important level of world football, which we always considered as one of our priorities, we selected the best coaching staff available. Ali Doustimeher is acknowledged as the best coach at this level and he has achievements prove his track record. We also selected Rahim Meerakhori , another coach with extensive experience at this level of football, to work alongside Doustimehr. To complete the formula, Mehdi Mahdavikia was also inducted to help the coaches with his vast experience.” Kaffashian added.
“In general, we have covered all the areas and left no gaps. I am simply shocked at this result; I really am speechless why is this happening. With all the support that this team has received, why did they get such poor result? was it the players poor physical condition that did not respond well to the conditions? Did the team have technical difficulties? Whatever the reasons, we must find out.” Kaffashian said with a visible sorrow at what have occurred recently to youth level football.
“Don’t be surprised by the changes that will happen in the youth level teams. We have to act , this is simply NOT good enough. We will never switch off the lights in the federation, the financial and logistical support will continue for all age levels teams since the Asian competition is carried out every two years. We will create an absolutely new team and new players will be invited. We shall l waste no time in doing so.”
Kaffashian also announced that Carlos Queiroz will take a much more active role in youth level teams than he ever did previously. “We will establish a progress plan for all age levels football and particularly the U-23 or the Olympic team. We must qualify for the Rio Olympics, Queiroz and Vingada must work out a plan to produce a competent team that is able to qualify for the Olympics. They need to work well to achieve this.”
Kaffashian also said that changes in Management & administrations of of the youth team structures are imminent. He did not mention and changes in personnel at the higher levels of the federation.
Iran has failed to qualify to any FIFA Competitions at youth levels this year. Defeats in the U-14, U-16 and now the U-19 left the football federation and the team in a state of dismay and panic. The U-19 early exit seems to hurt the most as Iran is a five time title holder of this competition, while the Asian games (U-23) exit was as bad considering Iran’s four previous gold medals.