IFF admits problems of football

PLDC - In a session held at the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) head quarters, the problems of football were discussed on Wednesday, 25/12/2002. Deputy Head of the IFF, Mehdi Khaibari expressed the following views in the presence of the press, “Iran’s major problems in football in Asia is hosting of games. Our country is faced with many difficulties when it comes to the hosting of matches. Such problems have placed us among the bottom five in the Asian hosting list.”

“We have very limited facilities and that is why we do not conform to the global standards of the present day and age. We will not get hosting 
right until the time we improve the facilities. Think back to last year when Esteghlal was host to Anionic of Japan and the problems which 
occurred then. The same problems prevented us from requesting the hosting of games by Persepolis. If this happens again, we lose face in Asia and our international position will be in danger.”

“I do not have the ability to manage things superficially as it is very difficult to do so. There is much intervention in the affairs of the IFF. For example if we have a match with the US, we go ahead and make all the plans and arrange everything. Then a few days before the games, they phone us and they tell us to cancel it. What should we do in such cases? We not only lose face but have to pay a lot of compensation.”

“The condition of hosting games is not only the pitch. This is the appearance of things. Today’s standards are much higher and even Tabriz  possesses low standards. At present 35 conditions must be met before one is allowed to host games. Everyone thinks about only the pitch though. This is why we can’t be hosts. With the renovation of Azadi stadium the whole football in the country is in a shambles and that is how weak we are in terms of facilities.” 

“Instead of thinking about their main duty, which is the building of stadiums and pitches plus other facilities, the clubs in Iran throw the 
responsibility on the shoulders of the Federation. To reach the acceptable standard, the IFF needs cooperation from the Municipality. We have 
to reach these standards if we want to keep up our prestige in Asia and be secure.”