PLDC – Just one day after knocking out of the 2018 World Cup, Iran national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz hit out at Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic and said he was one of the reasons Iran went out on the group stages.
A day later, Reza Ghoochannejhad announced his regiment and two days later Sardar Azmoun said he doesn’t want to play for Team Melli after he came under fire from supporters of his nation.
It’s while, Iran as an Asian country, has made steady progress under its Portuguese coach Queiroz, and is a favorite to win AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Team Melli was drawn with UEFA champion Portugal, 2010 World Cup champion Spain and African champion Morocco but had a chance of qualifying for the next stage and it showed the Persians move in the right direction and just need to keep going.
Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) must intervene to stop conflicts between the clubs’ coaches and Carlos Queiroz.
Persepolis and Esteghlal are preparing for the AFC Champions League quarters and need concentration to book a place in the competition’s semis after many years but in this situation, Iran football will be loser because the Qatari teams are preparing in full concentration.
The balance between national team and club football should be maintained as part of football’s values.
An atmosphere of respect should prevail throughout football; respect for the game, integrity, diversity, dignity, players' health, rules, the referee, opponents and supporters.