PLDC - Tehran, Ali Kafashian has given an extensive interview, in which he has clarified many issues and thoroughly explained Team Melli's situation.

The IFF President said, "Finally, after several years of being without a sponsor, and having turned down many small-time offers, we have signed a deal with a company that is worthy of being our sponsor. Since last year we have spent 3.5 billion tomans for our youth teams, and for women's futsal we have spent as much as we could, but this is obviously the people's right."

Kafashian clarified, "Our sponsorship deal is for 15 billion tomans. We will receive one billion tomans upfront, and the company will pay us two billion tomans every two months. In the past year, we have received three million dollars from AFC for qualifying to the World Cup, and its previous stages. FIFA still owes us money, and as soon as the United States lifts the banking sanctions imposed on Iran, we will get paid. The government hasn't given us any money, but they have said that they will when possible.

He continued, "Our sponsor will provide us with a limousine bus, which they can cover with their advertisements."

Regarding the rumours about Queiroz's Ireland candidacy, Kafashian clarified, "He (Queiroz) has taken Team Melli to the World Cup, and as you know, no coach quits his post as the coach of a team, after having qualified them for the World Cup. If we can, we will try to convince him to continue coaching Team Melli even after the World Cup, but it is certain that he will be with us till at least to the end of World Cup."

Several IPL coaches have criticized Queiroz's new Team Melli list, as it only includes players from four teams (Persepolis, Esteghlal, Sepahan, Tractor), and more shockingly this list doesn't even have a single player from the league leaders (Foolad). Regarding this matter, Kafashian said, "Queiroz has made it to the World Cup with his selection, and it is too early to judge. It is not certain that this team will be the same team that goes to the World Cup."

The IFF President continued, "Queiroz is upset about several things, such as Heydari playing for Esteghlal with an injury. He wants to have a few players for each position and is worried for the future. We completely support and believe in Mr. Queiroz, and respect his opinion and decisions."

Regarding friendly matches and camps, he explained, "We have had a few offers from European and South American countries, but the decision ultimately falls on Queiroz. In the near future things will be more clear, however I must say that we have had a few sponsorship offers for Team Melli camps from a few companies (in which case the company would pay the expenses for the camp and friendly matches). We are also reviewing the possibility of a friendly match against America, but again, the final decision will be made by Queiroz."

Regarding Sepp Blatter's visit to Iran, Kafashian said, "He is supposed to come to Iran on November 6th, and we will make arrangements for him to also meet with the president."

By: Arman Tamjidi