Ali Kaffashian Iran’s Football Federation President, commenting on the plans for Team Melli said “With minimal cost we will implement the best program before the World Cup. Carlos Queiroz and his coaching team are aware of this issue and do not believe that we have to play against famous and strong teams. The objective is to find value in these friendly matches as that is what is important for us. The friendly matches must be useful.” (…)

In essence, Kaffashian once again has hinted that his administration is not willing to spend big bucks on friendly matches and he cited Queiroz as not being an advocate of playing quality teams !

As such , Iran is taking a different path to the rest of the Asian teams which qualified to the World Cup. Japan , Australia and South Korea have already played major friendly games with European and Latin American top teams. No doubt, their preparation in the next six months will include more of these quality friendly games. Team Melli has failed to arrange any friendly matches since its qualification was confirmed, six months ago.

The irony is that Ali Kaffashian has noted that Team Melli expenses will be covered by the federation but will also be receiving a substantial financial support from FIFA to prepare for the World Cup. However , Kaffashian reiterated that the arranging and selecting of friendly matches will all depend on the Friday’s World Cup draw and which group Iran will be in.

The President of the FFIRI also mentioned the official Team Melli kit is awaiting Carlos Queiroz approval “As soon as Queiroz approves it , we will send the samples of Team Melli kit to FIFA” Kaffashian said “The official launch of the Team Melli kit will be carried out in a ceremony attended by dignitaries and UHL Sport representatives.”