Visa Issues Mean Persepolis Can't Train In Spain

GOAL - Persepolis FC’s training camp in Spain has been cancelled reportedly due to visa problems.

The Tehran club was scheduled to train in Spain from July 18-29 and play preparation matches with three undisclosed Spanish clubs.

However, the club’s spokesman Majid Farrokhzadi told reporters on Thursday that problems with securing visas for the entire entourage triggered the decision to cancel the trip.

“We are trying to make alternate arrangements in neighboring Turkey, and if we are not successful, we will continue our training in Iran.” said Mr. Farrokhzadi.

Only three days ago in an interview Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi, who was abroad on a personal trip, spoke of his plans to join the team in Spain. However, now because of the changes in the schedule Ghotbi will have to return directly to Iran.

“Ghotbi has to join the team in Iran as soon as possible so that the final stages of preparations can continue in a more cohesive fashion and no more time is lost.” said Mr. Farrokhzadi.

Meanwhile the players will be given two days rest as previously planned. In a separate interview Ghotbi’s assistant Afshin Payrovani told reporters:

“We had planned to have these two days off in preparation for the trip to Europe. In case the trip is cancelled we will resume our training after break at home and on schedule.”

According to anonymous sources, the real reason behind cancellation of the trip may be related to the National Physical Education Organization’s (NPEO) unhappiness with the failed attempts to organize friendly matches for the National Team that is currently training in Mallorca, Spain.

Apparently the Iranian Football Federation had verbal agreements with a number of clubs, but upon the team’s arrival in Spain they all backed down due to various reasons.

In an interview conducted on July 15, Mohammad Aliabadi, the head of the NPEO had spoken of his unhappiness with these cancellations, and Iranian clubs’ insistence to train abroad.

“The Physical Education Organization’s position is of the opinion that any such trips are unnecessary as Iran is a big country and there are suitable high altitude and sea level training camps available right here.” Aliabadi said.

Afshin Afshar