Iran ready to launch Provincial Leagues

PTV - As a big leap forward for Iranian football, 'Vision Iran' program by the AFC will go ahead with provisional leagues on August 10 and 11.

Top Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Iranian officials including General Secretary Paul Mony Samuel and Vision Asia Acting Director Brendan Menton will attend the opening ceremony in Isfahan and Fars as sample projects in Asia.

The Isfahan Provincial League (IPL) that will start on August 10 features 12 clubs, while the Fars Provincial League (FPL) will kick off with 14 clubs just one day later on August 11.

The beginning rounds will be played based on regulations provided by Vision Asia. The criteria to be observed by the AFC would be administration, legal, finance, facilities, community links and sporting development capabilities of each club.

The leagues are expected to provide a high level of competitive football for clubs in Isfahan and Fars. The format of the competition is home-and-away and the clubs are restricted to only employ coaches holding at least a 'C' certificate from the AFC.


"These two leagues will create opportunities for football players in Isfahan and Fars to play at a higher standard," said Vision Asia Acting Director Menton."Iran is full of football talent and I am sure concentrating on the Vision Iran program will provide a higher platform for players, clubs, coaches, referees and officials to be successful."

To help improving the grassroots and youth individuals, an under 11 years old School's Leagues will be launched in October this year. Prior to this, AFC will also organize grassroots, workshops for the youth, introductory coaching, and Class 3 refereeing courses.