The ever grinning man of Iranian football federation is under fire again this time for his candidacy for the membership of FIFA Executive Committee.

One would have thought that the Iranians would be pleased and perhaps proud for a compatriot to achieve such a prestigious position, apparently not.

The incumbent Ali Kaffashian, who was the President of FFIRI from 1 March 2008 to 7 May 2016 for two consecutive terms, is currently serving as Deputy to Mehdi Taj . In fact, the couple, swapped seats after the last elections. Kaffashian refused to enter the election race for leadership of the FFIRI for a third term, however he ended up  getting the Deputy role in the federation. Many claimed it was a game of musical chair orchestrated and executed without much objections or interest from the clubs forming the FFIRI during the general assembly meeting.

In his first election, Kaffashian won the Presidency by default after all nominees withdrew one after another in what was considered by many as dubious circumstances. Kaffashian previously served as Secretary General of Iran’s National Olympic Committee from 2004 until 2008. 

Iran’s football administration, like the rest of the Middle Eastern neighboring countries is earnestly controlled by the ruling clans. The governments are the real power brokers, and substantially support the clubs and associations. Some do it quite openly, like Kuwait, while the rest do it more subtly or behind the scene fearing sanctions by FIFA.

Without governments financial support , it is safe to say that Middle East football would be on par with Nepal and Pakistan and certainly nowhere near the standard that these countries enjoy right now. Government support , which is crucial to the clubs, comes with a caveat however. In this scenario the power yielded by the governments is absolute and there in no chance for independent entity or person to take to control and govern the federations. In Iran, no one out of the government circle can have a chance of getting to head the FFIRI. Only those who have the government blessing, and naturally show loyalty and obedience, are in for a chance.

Kaffashian is from within the circle; however, he has failed to show any leadership qualities in his two terms and was ridiculed for his inaptitude and cracking jokes when situation required some serious action. His sarcasm and famous grin does not go down well with the media either.

This is one reason that his selection has been met with cynicism rather than joy by the media. “Not only has he done very little for Iran while serving as Vice-President of AFC, now for his ineptness, he is being considered for FIFA Executive Committee office” decried ISNA sport editor.