Differences, disputes, accusations and counter accusations, tension that has been brewing in the corridors of the Iranian football federation, has created quite a bad image of an organization that is short of good reputation and progressive image left in it.

In the pinnacle of the pyramid is a feeble leadership that has driven the organization to its lowest point for as long as the memory serves us. Ali Kaffashian , as decent and frank as he may be, has wretchedly failed in his administration and lacks the leadership quality that is required to take the FFIRI to the highest points. His administration failures are frequent and plentiful, some even comical, his presence at the top of the FFIRI could very well lead to more failures on and off the field. 

Kaffashian , however , is not the only guilty party in the FFIRI for the federation is marred by lack of teamwork and disputes between the various elements.

The recent disputes that went public is one classic example of a group of people who are definitely not working as a team. In football, Teamwork is the buzzword.  

On one hand there is a Carlos Queiroz who thinks he is the gift of God almighty to the Iranians, the man who knows it all and better than any Farsi speaking person around, a man who is known to reject any criticism and becomes hostile towards any attempt to question him. While on the opposite side there is a group of staff who do not seem to be totally convinced by the Portuguese man achievements, self-adulation and boasting while questioning his ability to take Iran football to where they think it deserves to be.

The battles between these two have reached a rampant stage and there is one loser here and that is Iran’s football.

While facts and logic states that Queiroz has many justified grievances that is worth siding with and supporting him, conversely , his demeanor , despotic arrogance , brash behavior and his abrasive manner in dealing with others, leaves the neutrals a very difficult task to take side and sympathize with Queiroz. In short, Carlos Queiroz is exhibiting less than an expected degree of maturity and respect towards others.

On the contrary , the oppositions to Queiroz have their own valid points. It is difficult to argue against people who have the interest of Iran, the nation and the football at heart. It is difficult to argue against utter and absolute facts that are commonly known to the public such as the ones that Alireza Asadi has put forward in the latest arguments.  

The latest drama is the dispute between the Secretary General Asadi and Team Melli Coach Carlos Queiroz. The Portuguese had some harsh words for his superior and made what was considered a very private and confidential discussion, a public one for everyone’s entertainment.

 

Queiroz drew the first blood to add Alireza Asadi to the increasing list of his adversaries. It seems that there is no internal battle in FFIRI without Carlos Queiroz having some influence in it or being a major player. Only a few days ago and even before returning to Iran, he issued a statement attacking Abbas Torabian , another FFIRI administrator calling upon him to mind his own business!.  These are simply a few examples that working with Queiroz is a testing experience as the man can be difficult co-worker and has no issues tongue lashing his opponents and whoever he might be , even his bosses.

The problem here is Queiroz cannot be right all the time and he is certainly far from being perfect at his job. He might be one of the highest profile coaches that Iran ever had at the helm of Team Melli , but neither his records nor the style that he employs have left much impression with the masses.

Some of his conducts are even bordering felonious intent.

While the strong objection that Queiroz had to the suggested Italy friendly game sounded bizarre by a coach in the level of the ex-Portugal coach, where he suggested that the match fee of US$ 1,5 million for the Italians should be better spent on Beach Soccer in Iran amongst other things. The feeble justification and objection of Queiroz became even more suspicious after it was revealed that the arrangement for this friendly was carried out by Abbas Torabian as part of the protocol signed between the Italian and Iranian football federations. That protocol includes the exchange of visits between national teams at all age levels.

As mentioned earlier, Abbas Torabian is not on the favorite list of Queiroz , so this opposition to the match takes another turn and perhaps raises questions against Queiroz real motives. 

You do the maths now !

While most respectable and aspiring teams would dream of playing the likes of Brazil , Italy , Germany or England, the Portuguese think it is a waste of money as Palestine ,  Kenya and Madagascar are much better value for the ex-Real Madrid coach!. Such logic by Queiroz can be hardly digested even for the least sophisticated of analysts.