10/25/2008
Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Two days ago Iran coach Ali Daei announced what was advertised to be Team Melli’s calendar for the next three to four months. He spoke about a one week training camp in Spain’s Basque Country that included two practice matches. He also mentioned a match in Dubai against an unnamed European side in addition to a four way tournament in Oman.

No so fast, said Iran Football Federation chief Ali Kaffashian! Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mr. Kaffashian said he knew nothing of the team’s supposed Spain trip.

“If we were to have a training camp in Spain, we would surely have to had negotiated and signed an agreement”, said the chief. “However, it is possible that I am not in the loop because I have been away for the last few days!”

To make Team Melli’s preparation plans even more confused and uncertain, the November 14 friendly against Kuwait may be in jeopardy because of Kuwaiti football federation’s ongoing problems with FIFA.

Sadly this situation should not come as a surprise to Team Melli fans that have become used to IRIFF’s inability to secure friendly matches with credible opponents.

It would be interesting to see if any of the other matches mentioned by Daei will actually pan out, or Team Melli will again end up playing against B teams of the snd rate sides from CAF or CONCACAF.