2/25/2008
Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Despite commitments made over the weekend by the Iranian Football Federation to announce the name of the new national team coach no later than Monday, Ali Kaffashian, the new IRIFF Chief, told reporters today that there was no urgency in the matter, and that a decision would be made within the next few days. He further dismissed the notion that National Physical Education Organization was slowing down the process.

There are reports suggesting that a decision has already been made; however, a stamp of approval by Mohammad Aliabadi the head of the PEO is holding off the process.

In dismissing PEO’s involvement in IRIFF’s decision, Mr. Kaffashian added that he and Mr. Aliabadi had a few meetings scheduled last week, but had to call them off due to unexpected scheduling conflicts. He further insisted that IRIFF has full authority in making all the football related decisions concerning the national team.

IRIFF has reportedly narrowed down their search to three candidates namely Afshin Ghotbi the coach of Perspolis FC, Amir Ghalehnoei the former Iran and current Mes of Kerman coach, and Bijan Zolfagharnasab the coach of Zob-Ahan of Isfahan.

In a separate interview, Mr. Aliabadi told reporters that he has been “out of football business” for a while and does not have an opinion on either candidate.

Iran plays its second World Cup Qualifying game against Kuwait in Kuwait City on March 26. The first match against Syria was a goalless draw.