Marc Wilmots (50) has not been a coach for more than six months with Iran, but he wants to leave. Wilmots has not paid as per his contract and has asked for his contract to be nullified. He is now waiting for the response from the Iranian Football Federation.
This unexpected news was published today in the Belgian website https://www.nieuwsblad.be
According to nieuwsblad, on the field, Wilmots enjoyed a successful stint. The international friendly matches against Syria (5-0) and South Korea (1-1) produced positive results and further on versus Hong Kong (0-2) and especially Cambodia (14-0) were quickly put aside in the FIFA World Cup qualifications. The last game against Bahrain (1-0) was a disappointing loss, but that is was not the basis of Wilmot’s decision and impending departure.
The former national coach of Belgium still has ambitions to be counted back home. If Antwerp takes action and sacks Laszlo Bölöni, it would not be surprising if the former national coach of Côte d’Ivoire and Iran comes into the picture at the Great Old. The former striker always maintained good relations with Luciano D’Onofrio. He has repeatedly said in the media that he wants to collaborate with D’Onofrio, such as two years ago at La Dernière Heure:
“We are friends, that’s no secret. We have supported each other at different times in our lives and our careers. Before he started working at Antwerp, he already told me about it. He is a great football expert and a visionary leader – a rarity that those two qualities are combined. One day I will work with D’Onofrio. I don’t know where or when, but it will happen. “
Speaking to Mehr reporter, Abdul Kazim Taleghani, a member of the executive committee of FFIRI said: “In my opinion, Wilmots’s dues have been paid and there is no problem! “
His statement was in response to the question about Wilmots’ salary and any payments outstanding.
When the Mehr reporter asked him “When was Wilmots salary last paid ?”
Taleghani responded, “God knows!!”
“I was in the Football Federation yesterday but didn’t see any demands from Wilmots. “
When asked further about the threats by goalkeepers coach, Espinoza of leaving his post due to non-payment of his salaries and endless financial problems, Taleghani pleaded ignorance but insisted “ Anyway, in my opinion, Wilmot’s salary has been paid and I don’t know if the news of him leaving his post is correct.”
With an Executive Committee member so ignorant and pathetic as this person, no wonder no decent coach will associate with the FFIRI and that includes domestic Iranian coaches. Only the desperate and those who could not find other jobs seem to agree to work with FFIRI.
FFIRI is notoriously bad paymasters. Their constant excuse of sanctions and inability to pay coaches makes a mockery of the system that has put the good name of Iran in repute.