PLDC - Tehran, Mehdi Taj, the Head of League Organization, says that the federation is going to follow its own plans and schedule, instead the ones made by Carlos Queiroz.

Taj said, "Mr. Queiroz thanked the league organizing committee after the Qatar match, because his scheduling was implemented. We pressured lots of teams so that Team Melli wouldn't be effected. This year we will proceed according to the schedule that we have made."

He was very upset about a press conference yesterday, where Carlos Queiroz threw his schedule in the garbage can. Taj complained, "Unfortunately, Queiroz behaved very badly. We can't cancel the Hazfi Cup, or take away the Team Melli players from Esteghlal, Persepolis, Sepahan and other clubs. These clubs have invested to attain these players and their fans have expectations from them."

But who makes the schedule for the league? Is it really designed by the league's driver, as Queiroz sarcastically suggested?

Taj explains, "Ali Kazemi who is a recognized person in Iranian football creates the schedule. He has been doing this job ever since the Takhte Jamsheed Cup, prior to the 1979 revolution. These remarks have broken his heart. He is very upset. But I have defended his schedule and told him that we will proceed according to it."

The Head of the League Organization also rejects Queiroz's demand to exclude Team Melli players from their clubs for the Asian Champions League. He expands, "This is impossible. Our clubs are like our national team when facing Asian opponents, and we have to enter the pitch with full power."

Taj continued, "Perhaps, Mr. Queiroz thinks that this is our first time going to the World Cup, and maybe this is why he is saying such things. Today I will sit down with him and discuss these matters. I am also upset about Team Melli's camp in Portugal being cancelled."

Team Melli's boss was very upset yesterday in a press conference after he had been told that the federation doesn't have enough funds to organize a camp in Portugal.

By: Arman Tamjidi