Football Federation backs Qalenoei, dismisses coaching speculation
An Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) board member has dismissed speculation over a possible change in the national team’s coaching staff, insisting that Amir Qalenoei remains the federation’s only candidate to lead Team Melli at the AFC Asian Cup.
Speaking to Mehr News Agency, Mohammadrahman Salari said the federation is preparing to discuss an extension to Qalenoei’s contract at its next board meeting, which is expected to be held within the coming week.
Salari also rejected reports linking former Iran internationals Javad Nekounam, Farhad Majidi and Yahya Golmohammadi with the national team job.
“These reports have no basis whatsoever,” he said. “Not only have the names of these three coaches never been discussed, but no other candidate has even been raised during board meetings.”
He stressed that the federation’s full focus remains on Qalenoei and the plans he will present to guide Iran at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup.
A semifinalist at the previous two editions, Iran will begin its bid for a fourth Asian Cup title – and its first since 1976 – against China in Group C, which also features Kyrgyzstan and Syria, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on January 9 next year.
“Our entire focus is on Mr. Qalenoei and the program he will put forward to ensure the national team’s success at the Asian Cup,” Salari added. “There is no other issue under consideration at this stage.”
Addressing suggestions that Iran should prioritize developing younger players over immediate results at the continental tournament, Salari said the federation does not view the two objectives as mutually exclusive.
“We do not believe success at the Asian Cup should be sacrificed for the sake of youth development,” he said.
According to Salari, many of Iran’s emerging talents have already established themselves among the country’s most sought-after players in the domestic transfer market after progressing through the national youth teams, particularly the under-23 side.
“The time has come for these young but experienced players to wear the senior national team jersey,” Salari said. “We want to rely on their abilities as we pursue the Asian Cup title.”
The Asian Cup will be Qalenoei’s fourth major tournament as Iran head coach. His current contract, signed in March 2023, expired last week.
During his first spell in charge, Iran was knocked out by South Korea in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Asian Cup, while his second tenure produced a semifinal finish at the 2024 edition, where Team Melli lost to host Qatar.
He was also at the helm during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in North America, where Iran drew all three of its Group G matches – 2-2 against New Zealand, goalless against Belgium, and 1-1 with Egypt – to finish third in the standings and miss out on a place in the knockout stage of the expanded 48-team tournament.