Follow Daei’s footsteps: AFC chief

AFC - AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam has hoped that more Asian coaches will emulate Ali Daei and take over top coaching positions across the continent.

Talking to the Iranian legend at AFC House on the sidelines of 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers final round draw on Friday, the AFC chief said: “Our target is to develop more Asian coaches and I hope to see more Asians taking over the national teams in the future.”

He also congratulated Daei, who is the world’s highest goalscorer for a national team with 107 goals, for guiding Iran to the final leg of the World Cup Asian qualifiers.

“I am happy to see a great player like you take over as a national team coach. I would like to congratulate you for your success as a coach. All the teams in the final round are tough but I wish you succeed in the future also,” he told Daei.

The duo also discussed the importance of AFC Champions League which will go fully professional next year.

“I am confident that the Iran Football Federation and the clubs will live up to the expectations in the new AFC Champions League,” Daei said.