Iran Under-23 Coach Simoes To Step Down

GOAL - The coach of Iran�s Under-23 team Rene Simoes has shocked Iranian football fans by announcing that he will step down from the post after the Asian Games finish later this month.

�I think the time has come now for me devote more time to my family and for this reason I do not intend to extend my contract after the end of the Asian Games,� he told Iran�s Mehr News Agency.

The 54 year-old is busy in Doha where his team opened its campaign with a 3-1 win over the Maldives.

�Until now, I have not unilaterally ended a contract with any country, however, in consideration of the difficulties I have had, I have to leave Iranian football."

The decision means that the Brazilian will not lead the team through qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

�I know very well that coaching an Olympic team is a big honor for any coach, but as I said, being away from my family does not allow me to extend my contract with Iranian football."

Simoes, who took Jamaica to the 1998 World Cup, admitted his frustrations with the set-up in the football-mad nation.

�Unfortunately, planning and facilities in Iran are very weak and it is not even clear what plans Iranian teams have two weeks in advance. However, like I said, these things are not the reason for my leaving Iranian football."