The secretary general of FFIRI has mentioned that Team Melli will have 7 preparations game from now until the start of the World Cup.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi , in a statement to ISNA said ” During our South African training camp , we will play against 4 club sides , while later on we will be facing Belarus , Montenegro , Trinidad & Tobago and Angola.”

In regard to the vacant position of assistant coach that was created by the sudden departure of Omid Namazi and the resignation of Simoez , Mohammad Nabi said “Kaffashian and myslef had a meeting with Queiroz in which the issue of assistant coach was discussed. He (Queiroz) is still looking at some candidates and shall inform us on his decision shortly. I believe he is looking at two assistant coaches from Brazil. There is no sign or any indication that he will select an Iranian assistant coach anytime soon”

When questioned about and Argentinian coach for Team Melli while Iran is facing Argentina in the World Cup , Mohammad Nabi said “he is only a physical Trainer (!!!)”.

Do we understand from Mohammad Nabi that a Physical Trainer is not an important or significant post in a football team coaching staff?