Carlos Queiroz closed the chapter of the two ex-Team Melli players , Hadi Aghili and Mehdi Rahmati and the saga of their return to the team by announcing that that “As far as I am concerned, these two players will never be invited to Team Melli as long as I am at the helm of the team.”
Both players have abandoned Team Melli camps for reasons that are only known to themselves. Their unprofessional acts was deemed as an act of desertion and swiftly dealt with by Carlos Queiroz. However, as it is customary in Iran’s football, there will always be someone or somebody who would try to act as mediatory peace maker and try to influence the proceedings to return offenders back to their teams. Such moves are very common in Iranian clubs and usually with a bouquet of flower and few kisses on the cheeks; the matter is resolved between the coach and the player concerned, that simple.
Lately, there has been quotes and pressure exerted by IRIFF officials namely the President Ali Kaffashian and the secretary general Mehdi Mohammad Nabi , for the reinstatement of these two renegade players who have abandoned the team. Aghili left Team Melli camp on the eve of a match without as much as informing the administrators, while Rahmati unlilaterlay announced his retirment from the team.
Grudgingly , Queiroz accepted that if these two players truly regretted their misdemeanor, he is willing to forgive them if they officially apologized to the their teammates, Team Melli supports, the federation and the coaching staff. Such apology must be in writing and publically announced.
Today , Monday 20th May 2013, after the completion of Team Melli camp , Queiroz and the IRIFF officials had a meeting regarding the two players. The Portuguese coach gave the following announcement to the media:
“This is my final statement about these two players. I kindly request all of you to accurately reflect what I say. Recently , there has been much talks and rumors about the fate of Aghili and Rahmati. There were comments about the two players repenting and apologizing. In the spirit of reconciliation and Team Melli interest . we have given these two players an opportunity to redeem themselves and do the correct thing by submitting letters of apology if they really believed that they have committed errors of judgment. We were transparent about the matter and no other stings were attached. We gave them a chance up 5 PM yesterday. No written apology came and hence this is the end of this episode with these two players.”
Carlos Queiroz then proceeded on talking about his current squad. He said that he is totally satisfied with these players who are at the service of the team and are well prepared for the crucial encounter with Qatar. “ It is these players that I want to focus on and work with. These are the troops who deserve respect and admiration for their commitment to the national team”. Queiroz added
“ I want real players with full commitments to the team. I need brave players who will fight for the team , regardless to what post they are given. We need players who are like soldiers that never abandon their team and never put pre-conditions for being team members . I am quite proud with my current players and it gives me a pleasure working with them.”