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AFC - Members of Iran’s
often-scathing football media have a frayed relationship with the country’s
players and coaches.
The journalists revel in criticising players, coaches and selectors and are
convinced they keep the game in check. Footballers, meanwhile, accuse the
writers of being less than qualified to advise and pass judgment on
professional athletes.
The writers are now trying to go one up in the debate – by becoming
qualified.
That’s why a team of journalists formed a football team, roped in an ex-Iran
international as their head coach and decided to undertake an overseas tour
to Malaysia.
Mostafa Lashgari, sports editor for Iranian news agency ISNA, was part of
the 21-strong contingent comprising 19 players and two coaches who visited
AFC House this week.
GETTING A FEEL
“We are always being told that we are not qualified to write about
football,” said Lashgari. “We decided to put together a football team among
journalists, play the game and become qualified.
“This is our first trip abroad and it has been quite an experience. We
wanted to see what it would be like to stay together, travel together, live
out of hotels with all its problems and see how we deal with different
personalities.
“It’s pretty much the same as what players do when they play away matches
for various teams. We also want to show that we know what is going on in the
field of play.”
The team, known as Resaneh Varzesh (Sports Media), was formed more than a
year ago. Before their Malaysia trip, they played against domestic
opposition in various provinces around Iran.
JOINING THE ENEMY
Reza Torabian, a former national squad member who has played for Iranian
clubs Pas and Persepolis, is the team’s head coach.
Torabian has, during his time as a player, been subjected to criticism from
the media. However, he jumped at the chance to coach the supposed “enemy”.
“We get along very well in the team,” said Reza. “Yes, the football
journalists in Iran tend to be quite critical.
“But I believe that as long as the criticism is constructive and fair, it is
not a problem and players have to accept it. There has to be a certain level
of respect from both sides.”
Torabian steered his team to two victories in Malaysia, 4-3 and 4-1 over
domestic sides hastily put together to accommodate the touring Iranians.
Resaneh Varzesh is made up of journalists from across many forms of media,
including newspapers, radio, television and news agencies. Their positions
range from editors to cameramen.
Now that they are armed with actual playing experience, will Iran’s
football-loving public be seeing a more tempered and softer media?
“We will still keep a check on the sport,” said Lashgari. “But there won’t
be 100 per cent changes. We definitely know how hard it is for players and
maybe we will have better judgement the next time we write about football.”
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