Germany's Rutemoeller New Iranian Soccer Coach

DPA - German soccer coach Erich Rutemoeller has been appointed to Iran's national football team, ISNA news agency reported Saturday, Aug. 16.

Head coach Ali Daei also confirmed Rutemoeller's appointment and told ISNA that the 63-year-old would start his job in about three weeks.

Rutemoeller last month held initial talks with the Iranian Football Federation (FFI). Both former Bundesliga player Daei and FFI President Ali Kafashian reportedly have a high opinion of the German.

It was, however, unclear whether Rutemoeller would work as Daei's assistent or form a coaching duo.

The Iranian national team is preparing for qualification games for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The next game will be next month against Saudi Arabia.