Iran's football supremo announces surprise resignation

Tehran, Sept 13, IRNA -- Iran's football president Mohsen Safaee Farahani announced his surprise resignation here Thursday, citing excessive pressure by those "who have mobilized to destroy national team and soccer".
He made the announcement at the inauguration of the new premises of the Iranian Football Federation (IFF), saying he thought he could not continue in this post under the present situation.
"I am sacrificing myself to let the national team continue its work with peace ... and those who are bearing a grudge against me to get their hands off the team," Farahani added.
He likened Iran's football to an orphan which is raised by ruthless step-mothers.
"The working environment in Iran's football is unhealthy ...
that is why I decided to give this child back to its step-mothers to save it from being sliced to pieces," he said.
The resignation has still to be accepted by Vice-President and the head of the Physical Education Organization, Mohsen Mehralizadeh.
Farahani came into office as the head of the IFF four years and nine months ago. He has come under mounting criticism because of Iranian team's dismal performances in regional and international matches.
Iran failed to make it to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea this year after losing to Ireland in away goals.