With about 10 days before the transfer deadline set by the league competitions committee of Iran’s Football Federation, a third of Team Melli player have transferred and changed clubs. A few of those players who have not signed extension of contracts with their present clubs are also candidates for transfer if better contracts are offered from rival clubs.

Amongst the players that are still undecided , Team Melli’s Captain and current Osasuna player , Javad Nekounam is the most prominent .  Despite the negotiation that is currently ongoing between the player and Esteghlal Club , there has been no words of agreement although the chances are strong that Nekounam would be leaving the La Liga club .

Mohammad Reza Khaltbari , who played for Diego Maradona’s club Al Wasl of Dubai , is another Team Melli player without a club after the UAE league club did not renew his contract. Another Team Melli player leaving his club for the same reason is the defender Hadi Aghili who , like Khalatbari is still undecided and out of contract.

Although such changes of clubs has become a normal occurrence in Iran for the last decade or so , such large percentage of turnovers  to Team Melli players is unique.  These transfers take more prominence when one considers Team Melli’s current commitments and participation in the FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifications matches.

With players changing clubs and naturally requiring time to adapt to their new coaches , teammates and tactical plans, this puts added burden on them and could very well affect their forms during Team Melli training camps and matches in the WC Qualification matches.

The stability of players both physically and mentally is crucial for this stage of the qualification rounds. Team Melli has not exactly performed to the expectations of the fans and the media. Two poor performances so far in the qualification, the last of was against a capacity crowd at Azadi Stadium against Qatar ,  increased the pressure on Queiroz and his players to deliver what was promised to the fans.

The next match against Lebanon away in Beirut is significant as it will shape the group outlook where South Korea seems to have already taken an unassailable lead after two matches. Team Melli requires a strong performance against what looks like the weakest Team in the group , but the competition is such that even Lebanon can create headaches for Queiroz especially with the lackluster of Team Melli’s performances of late.

The large number of players changing club could have an effect on Team Melli , of course we are hoping it will be positive.