Ivankovic to extend Iran contract

AFC – Branko Ivankovic is poised to sign a contract extension that will see him remain as Iran’s national coach until the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany.

The Croat led Iran to victory at the WAFF Championship and third place at the Asian Cup 2004 in China this year but gave indications during the latter tournament that he might step down in order to return to club management.

However, reports by the MEHR News Agency suggest that Ivankovic will extend his contract for another two years following meetings with the Iranian Football Federation. He is expected to put pen to paper following a meeting with IFF president Mohammad Dadkan.

Ivankovic was an assistant to head coach Miroslav Blazevic with the Croatia team that finished third at the 1998 World Cup. He also served as Blazevic’s assistant with the Iran national team during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, replacing his mentor when he resigned for health reasons.

Iran are back in the driver’s seat in their World Cup qualifying group after defeating Jordan 2-0 in Amman earlier this month.