The shock defeat by Iran’s Omid team against Hong Kong, the first in the history of Iranian football at any level of competition, is beginning to hit many in Iran. In front of passionate Chinese fans supporting their little brothers, Reza Enayati’s men failed to produce any type of form to believe in this team and his leadership as a coach and motivator.

When a run-of-the-mill coach takes control of a national team in the top continental competition, then such results are expected. It is safe to say that Omid Team and Reza Enyati have failed the nation big time

But they are not to be burdened with all the blame. The responsibility falls primarily on the FFIRI, which throughout the years, has gained the notoriety that might be attached to a house of ill repute. It is difficult to imagine any organization that seems to be incapable of learning from its many repetitious mistakes as FFIRI. To add insult to injury, none of the leaders, specifically the head of the federation, that thick-skinned Mehdi Taj feels culpable, responsible, and man enough to admit failure and gracefully handle his resignation.

No way that will happen in Iran.

The post of Head of the Football Federation is akin to a government minister. It is scrutinized, filtered, and approved by the government. The candidate is a de facto government employee working in a proxy status. Failure of Mehdi Taj translates to failure of the government, and that cannot be allowed.

There is much politics and corruption in Iran football that can easily fill a few books. However, the demise and the humiliation of this Omid team seem to hit a nerve in the fans and pundits. It has left IRIB Commentator, Javad Khiabani speechless, now that is a rare occasion for the veteran sportscaster who is undoubtedly a walking encyclopedia of Iran’s football. He was so visibly shocked at the defeat, that he just refused to comment when asked by the co-presenter of the match at the end of the game.

Defeats such as this would turn the tables in any other country but don’t hold your breath here because those responsible will come up with the most creative of excuses and justifications and then end it with their famous out-of-jail card, divine destiny.

It is a sad time for Iran’s football. The hope is that Team Melli brings back some dignity and respect back in a few months time in Doha at the AFC Asian Cup 2022