Tag: Mes Kerman

Miroslav “Ćiro” Blažević, former Team Melli coach passes away.

Miroslav Blažević, the former head coach of the Croatian national football team, who won third place in the  World Cup 1998 with this team, has passed away. Blažević became the head coach of Team Melli.  in charge of the Iranian national team, but he could not lead this team to the 2002 World Cup.

Ćiro accepted an offer to lead the Iranian national team midway through the 2002 World Cup qualification process. Coming in ahead of the final qualifying round, he quickly developed a following among many of the Iranian fans. Ćiro kept the 3–5–2 formation that Iran had played with previously in the 96 Asian Cup, in which the Iranian national team had won third place. He also introduced new players to Team Melli such as Rahman Rezaei, Javad Nekounam, and Ebrahim Mirzapour. Known as a loudmouth and showman, Blažević stayed true to form by claiming he would hang himself from the goalposts if Iran failed to beat Ireland in the deciding qualification playoff for the 2002 World Cup.[16] Ireland won 2–1 on aggregate, the defeat that marked the end of Blažević’s time in Iran as his assistant Branko Ivanković took over.

According to the Croatian website vecernji, Blajević battled prostate cancer for a long time but ultimately lost the battle.

Blažević was supposed to celebrate his 88th birthday tomorrow. This coach had experience not only in the Iranian national team but also in the Mes Kerman team in 2011.

He is always remembered fondly by the players in the early 2000 era as a colorful character and a tactician.

God bless his soul.

Team Melli Hopeful: Morteza Tabrizi

Morteza Tabrizi, is one more serious contender for a Team Melli jersey come June 2018 when the whole world will be enjoying the FIFA World cup 2018
A late developer in football, Tabrizi only came into contention a couple of season ago. Tall and skillful, he has an Ali Daei like style. His heading ability and goals from headers are becoming a trademark.

Tabrizi, unlike his surname suggests, was actually born in Hamedan on January 6th, 1991. Played his early football in Talar Vahdat in his home town then Mes Kerman. His senior career started at Pas Hamedan where the tall forward stuttered and only managed to score a few (5 goals) in just short of 3 years. Despite that , he was actually called for the Iran U23 team.

The break for Tabrizi came when he was transferred to Zob Ahan in 2013. The central forward was given ample opportunities to prove his worth and more playing time. Tabrizi`s confidence grew and with it came the goals.
Tabrizi towering physique helped him in scoring freely and specifically beating his markers in the air. He eventually attracted Team Melli selectors attention and was called several times, however he has yet to make his debut.
This season is by far the best that the 27 years old Tabrizi has played in his career. The AFC Champions league seems to be his favorite.


The only doubt that exists in this potentially great match winner is his confidence in front if the goal. He seems to be wasteful at times and could have scored many goals than he actually has if had more assertiveness and determination qualities. His conversion rate could be much better. A good mentor would make Tabrizi a great forward for steam Mell i.

The competition up front for places is quite stiff. In fact the best players of thus current Team Kelli are all forwards. Tabrizi will have a tough time dislodging the others for a place in that plane which will take team Kelli to Moscow, however, he has exceptional heading ability that only Azmoun can match in the squad.

Senior career*

 

Years Team Apps Goals
2010–2013 Pas Hamedan     35 5
2013–  Zob Ahan     133 37
National teams
2012–2014 Iran U23 5 2

 

Is Kaffashian on his way out after recent developments?

In a brief communique, Ali Kaffashian has announced the appointment of Mr. Mahmoud Islamian as the deputy President of the Football Federation FFIRI.

Islamian, who is an industrialist and former University Professor, has graduated from Canada’s Victoria University. He has held several managerial and executive posts mainly in the Iron and Steel industry.

His sporting management background started with being a member of the executive committee of his home town club, Sepahan, then Zob Ahan , before a short stint in the same capacity at Mes Kerman and then finally the FFIRI.

Islamian is one of the unknown qualities of the executive committee. He has hardly figured in the media. His management skill in the industry is well documented and praised, however in Football, he is not been tested in earnest.

The media was quick to relate this appointment with the likely ousted of Ali Kaffashian from his position. Islamian seems to be supported by the Sports Ministry, the biggest behind the scene power broker in Iran’s football.

When Kaffashian was faced with the question if this appointment means in any way that he (Kaffashian) will be resigning, in his customary grin, the head of FFIRI responded philosophically and said “I am not supposed to stay in my position for ever and someday I have to vacate the post. I have not said or indicted that I will resign any time soon, though. Give the man (Islamian) a few days to settle down and at least get familiar with his job before you journalists come up with such suggestions. “

“I know that I have been a big burden on you people, but tolerate me a little more.” Kaffashian said in one of his dark humor.

kaffashian laughs

Ali Kaffashian is a shrewd survivor and has proven a tough nut to crack. He has survived many attempts to oust him from his post by his opponents, of which the Ministry of Sports is the main adversary. The beleaguered Boss of FFIRI , has continued to remain calm and respectful even against the harshest of criticism , some of which were close to personal insult. He maintains his stand of not engaging in public debates or questioning the characters of his opponents, never responding to harsh critics at equal intensity. His self-defense always remains dignified, respectful and well within the boundary of decency while addressing his critics not forgetting his trademark grin. That might be one secret of his survival. Being such a nice guy for some or a person with a “thick skin” to others perhaps attracts some sympathy towards him!

Islamian will be taking over from Ayatollahei who was pushed aside a month ago in a sweeping reform of the football federation.

Mehrdad Pooladi saved by FIFA !

The enigma of Mehrdad Pooladi and his failure to sign for a club was revealed at last.

Pooladi , who was Iran’s best player in FIFA World Cup 2014 according to figures and performance statistics, has failed to sign for a club since his contract with Persepolis expired at the end of last season.

It seems that whole problem preventing  Al Shahaniya , who had Pooladi in the top of their shopping list , from signing Team Melli’s left back was the refusal by FFIRI to issue an ITC despite Pooladi being a free agent and out of contract.

In an official statement by FFIRI published in their website, the federation announced that it has received a request from Qatar FA on 20th of September 2014 for the issue of International Transfer. Certificate (ITC) for Mehrdad Pooladi upon the request of  QSL club Al Shahaniya Club of Doha. FFIRI refused to issue the ITC because of Military Service commitment by Pooladi !

As per the FIFA regulation governing the transfer of players, if the original country of issuance failed to produce the ITC without providing a valid reason(s), then after 15 days the player may join his desired team without requiring an ITC while the FA that refused to issue the ITC in the first place has no legal right to that player.

In what seems to be another of those weird twists of the wonderful football administration of Iran, the interference of the football federation in a governmental task is immediately put under scrutiny. The question that would be asked by anyone with an average level of intelligence is, what has FFIRI , an NGO as Kaffashian likes to always brag about, has got to do with the Military service requirement of a player , which is purely government official business?

Time and Time again, FIFA has warned, suspended, sanctioned many of its FA members across the world because of government interference in football. Iran was one such country that was suspended right after the 2006 World Cup as the government forced the head of FA at the time , Mohammad Dadkan to leave his office, citing unsatisfactory results in the FIFA World Cup 2006 !!!

Masoud Shojaei along with Mehrdad Pooladi in the signing ceremony

It seems that FFIRI are not heeding the warnings and have yet to fully comprehend the risks of government interference in any shape, a taboo as far as FIFA is concerned. The government of Iran has the power , the tools , the procedures and the legal means to deal with the players who have escaped the military service, the Football Federation has no right to act as an agent of the government and refuse to issue ITC for a player because Pooladi has an issue with military service. To complicate the matters even more, one must ask, where has the FFIRI been all these years since 2006 when Pooladi started with Peykan Esteghlal, Tractorsazi , Mes Kerman , and now Persepolis? The answer was nicely provided by FFIRI themselves when an official responded to media questions and stated that FFIRI is not to be blamed for the latest problems of fake certificates because it does not have the tools nor the legal power to ascertain the validity of a player’s military service status. That is of course quite a valid point and a genuinely true statement, but refusing to issue an ITC for Pooladi is a direct contradiction to this statement and playing with fire as far as FIFA regulations are concerned. When FFIRI does not have the tools, the information and the legal power, why is it refusing to issue an ITC based on a military matter ?

Mehrdad Pooladi officially joined Al Shahaniya of Qatar Star League (QSL) to join his team Melli teammate Masoud Shojaei as the second Iranian in the team.

The team will be playing against Umm Salal who has Pejman Montazeri in their line up on Thursday. Al Shahaniya is currently two places above the relegation zone of the QSL with 4 points from 5 games.

Samba star mulls Iran World Cup adventure.

 AFP
23 March 2014

Former Vasco da Gama and Paraenense striker Eder Luciano, better known as Edinho, moved to Iran in 2008 to play for Mes Kerman. His goalscoring form for the club, founded in 1998, has been such that the Iranians conferred citizenship on him earlier this year.

“I already have my documents so I’d say there is about a 90 per cent chance” of making it into the national team, Edinho, 31, forecast.  “I have been in Iran getting on for eight years,” he told Brazilian sports newspaper Lancenet.

He added it would be special to play a World Cup with anyone — but appearing in Brazil with the Iranians would be particularly so.

 “The chance to play for a national team, the best players in a country, would be really something — be it playing for Iran, Spain, Germany … or Brazil,” he added.

“I shall prepare myself and if the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready,” vowed Edinho, who was playing in the Portuguese second division when the Iranians came calling.

He explained one of the most difficult aspects of adjusting to life in Iran was the food.  “I’ve not been able to adapt to the food here. I bring some over from Brazil whenever I can and so does my wife,” he told Lance.

A friend with experience of the country recommended him and Mes Kerman’s coaches liked what they saw. “When I first got here I wanted to turn round and go back home but I stuck at it and my perseverance was rewarded,” he concluded.

Edinho is in his second spell at the club after a period with UAE side Al Sharjah.

The Iranians, who will be making their fourth World Cup finals appearance, will take on Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia in Group F.