Iran Football Round-up(Jan 30-Feb 5)

IranSportsPress.com - Here is a look at all the important news surrounding Iranian football in the past week, including Mobali's late addition to Iran squad, Daruish Mostafavi's resignation, Esteghlal's contract with Jong, and Khatibi's controversial exclusion from Al Sharjah club.

-Khatibi sacked by Al Sharjah club:
UAE-based Al Bayan newspaper published the news of Khatibi 's exclusion from Al Sharjah club squad, and called Al Sharjah decision an ethical and wise decision.

Al Bayan newspaper reported the aftermath of Al Sharjah-AlAhli match and reported: "Khatibi insulted Al Sharjah's Brazilian coach, Weber, and after that attacked the coach physically. The paper added, this was a well deserved consequence for Khatibi and Al Sharjah's decision should be appreciated."

Al Emirate newspaper wrote: "Everyone knows Rasul Khatibi got fired from Alsharja and 26 yrs old Mexican Rinaldo Da Silva is to replace Khatibi. But the issue is not just khatibi's exclusion from the squad. Khatibi displayed a weak performance in Semi Final game against Al Ahli and Brazilian coach replaced him in the 2nd half and after the substitution, Khatibi went to the coach and started a disrespectful row against the coach. He even attacked Webr and beat up the coach. If team officials would not get involved, Weber's situation would get critical. After that incident, the Brazilian coach denied Khatibi to participate in any of team's training session and referred him to club officials to set his fate at Al Sharjah club." 

-Esteghlal's ongoing negotiation with Jong:
A disclosed source confirms that Theo De Jong's contract with Esteghlal is negotiated for 18 months and he will earn  $500,000 for that. Jong's contract at Esteghlal is expected to be signed by both parties soon and it is reported that Jong will coach capital Blues for duration of one season and a half. However, in later reports, due to several issues brought up by Esteghlal management, their finalized agreement is set to get delayed. Issues such as Jong's exact responsibilities and his request for being the main decision maker among coaching team, his asking salary($500,000) in which Ghalenoie insists on $400,000 and Esteghlal's unstable financial situation which worries Jong for delayed payment. However, whether Esteghlal reaches an agreement with Jong or not, Ghalenoie is keen to add an experienced coach to Esteghlal's current coaching team ahead of Asian Club Champions League games.

-Mobali invited to Iran squad:
While the list of 23 players were announced by Iran National team coach, Ghalenoie, earlier this week but according to Iran Football federation website, Iman Mobali is the last addition to the team and he can accompany Iranian team against Belarus in a Friendly game on Wednesday.

-No TM Friendly until May:
Iran National team will not have any Friendly games scheduled anytime soon after Belarus Friendly. Naser Ebrahimi announced the decision is agreed by National team coaching staff to avoid interruption in Iran Professional League games and Hazfi Cup games. Iran National team preparation plan for Asian Cup 2007 will resume after the end of league season.


-Madanchi crossed off TM list due to injury:
Mehrzad Madanchi is set to miss Iran Friendly game against Belarus on Wednesday due to injury. He will also most likely miss Perspolis's league game against Sepahan. Madanchi's injury was confirmed by Iran National team doctor.

-Mes Kerman goalkeeper gets his first National team call-up:
In their first year of playing at Iran Professional league, Mes Kerman displayed a satisfactory performance above experts' expectations. Abbas Mohamadi, Mes Kerman's goalkeeper is among the last additions to Iran National team for Belarus Friendly. He was previously invited by Mansour Pourheidari in 2000-2001 but did not get any playing time in Asian Cup 2000.

- Daruish Mostafavi resigns:
Daruish Mostafavi, Football Federation's deputy in charge, resigned from his position after several fractions between Mostafavi and IFF Transitory Board. Mostafavi is also willing to run for Iran Football Federation Election. After Mostafavi's resignation, IFF transitory Board voted for Mehdi Mohamad Nabi as Temporary Deputy in charge. Safayee Farahani, head of IFF Transitory Board stated: "According to the board regulations, none of the 6 members of the Board are allowed to run for Football Federation Election.

-Arash Borhani joined Pas:
Arash Borhani who was earlier axed by Al Nasr club, joined his former club at Pas and will accompany the team for rest of the season.