Karimi Not Cleared To Coach Esteghlal

GOAL – The appointment of Firouz Karimi as the new head coach of Esteghlal took a new turn earlier this week as the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) banned him from taking charge of his new team until further notice after his former club complained of an illegal approach.

The decision came after an emergency meeting of the Disciplinary Committee of the Iranian Football Federation.

Karimi's ex-club Esteghlal Ahvaz protested the move as an illegal approach by Esteghlal of Tehran.

Following the meeting, it was announced that the committee would need further time to review the matter, and until then, Firouz Karimi is not allowed to join Esteghlal as their head coach.

The decision means that Esteghlal will have to meet Rah Ahan on Friday, without Karimi who was appointed on Sunday tio help revive the ream after a medicore start to the season.

It is expected that the matter will be settled on Saturday 10 November when the Disciplinary Committee meets again.