Tehran.
The secretary general of FFIRI has revealed that a possible European training camp will be held for Team Melli on the 2nd or 3rd September. After the conclusion of the executive committee meeting of the football federation, Mohammad MohammadNabi briefed the media on various subjects discussed in that meeting.
Referring to Team Melli, MohammadNabi said that “Carlos Queiroz will be back in Iran by next week and I think (..) we will be setting camp on the 2nd September or 3rd somewhere in Europe. We have identified that camp but we will not announce it until we sign the agreement.”
“In regards to the two friendly matches, we are awaiting the arrival of Queiroz to finalize the dates and the oppositions. The friendly matches will probably be during the Training Camp in Europe.” MohammadNabi added.
Asked whether some changes in personnel will affect the Technical cadre of Team Melli , the secretary general said “ No such changes are envisaged, the staff on the bench will remain the same.” The question was asked following several hints by Kaffashian that Queiroz needs to reduce the number of the coaching staff due to cost. Queiroz response was swift and strong objecting to Kaffashian’s ultimatum.
Speaking about the chances of the AFC awarding the hosting of 2019 AFC Asian Cup to Iran, MohammadNabi said that “Our chances are quite good, however the AFC must positively respond to our request.”
MohammadNabi also spoke about various domestic league issues, but on the subject of Team Melli programs, the rhetoric remains was the same. Unsure about the dates of the camp, unsure about the which team they will be meeting in friendly matches , unsure whether the coach will say Yes or NO to the program and all this occurring with just about two weeks left to the supposed training camp the beginning of September.
Thus Team Melli program and progress will remain in the doldrums of a mix of management uncertainties and lack of funds.