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GOAL - Javier Clemente has
reportedly agreed to the Iranian Football Federation [IFF] condition to stay
in the country and accepted the Iran national team post.
According to reports in Iran, the former Spain coach has made up his mind to
live in Iran and coach the national team.
Clemente and the IFF previously failed to agree terms because the Spaniard
wanted to live in Spain and manage the side when there are international
matches.
Iran state television in a brief headline, without providing further
details, reported: "By telephone, Clemente accepted Iran's condition of
living in Iran all the time."
On Monday, IFF chief Ali Kafashian, had insisted the new national coach will
be an Iranian. Five homegrown candidates were shortlisted. Afshin Qotbi, the
Iranian-American coach managing Iran Pro League side Persepolis, was
reportedly the front-runner for the job.
Italian coach Guiseppe Materazzi later claimed on Tuesday he was approached
by IFF officials about taking over as Iran manager. The 62-year-old, father
of Inter Milan defender Marco, has been unemployed since he was fired by
Italian Serie B side Bari in December.
He said: "They [the Iranian Federation directors] asked me if I was
available to coach the national side. I immediately said I was available and
keen to do so."
IFF spokesman Mehdi Taj, however, denied they approached Materazzi.
"We had no talks with the Italian coach and it appears that he is saying it
to make a name for himself," he told the Fars news agency.
Without a full-time national coach, Iran made a disappointing start to their
World Cup qualifying campaign when they were held to a draw by Syria in
their opening match.
Joel Morrison
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