Football: A total disgrace for Islamic Republic of Iran

[gol_kuchik]

So we cancelled a couple of friendlies due to rain and cold! Is Iran the first country facing
winter cold and rain? Why don't we have a single stadium with retractable roof, or in the
south why dont we have proper drainage in Kish stadium?

Do we realize if this was a real game instead of friendly, the venue could have easily
been changed to another country per FIFA rules?

How come UAE or Qatar, can be a winter destination for European teams, when they
dont even have enough land and have to dig up soil from the bottem of Persian Gulf to
create artificial Islands, but our beautiful southern port cities and Islands, often no more
than a few hundred miles from UAE/Qatar don't have the most basic facilities to accomodate locals let alone visitors?

IRI, by monopolizing the entire sports of football in the hand of government, by taking
all the broadcast rights, and by having all the teams be really government run, must
take full responsibility for this huge shortcoming and embarassemtn. Furthermore,
when events like IFF "election" come, instead of correcting some of these issues, IRI
tries to stone wall the process.

IRI tends to take managers who have not openly or publically explained What they will do, to address so many shortcomings that our football faces?

Is Mr.Kafashian even aware of these challenges? What are his plans? Just because
behind closed doors and in secret they eliminated all the candidates until there was none
left standing but Kafashian, does that mean he is up to the tasks and chellenges?

Comes 4 years from now, how do we measure/evaluate Mr.Kafashians tenure?
How many of the stadiums will be completed? How many with proper standards? What are the goals for developing football in Iran?

We have oil at $100 a barrel, we have football talent, we have football lovers we have
a great country, but we also have incompetent hight ranking officials in charge who think
of nothing but their own pathetic interests.

As a result, everything seems like an afterthought, every situation is treated like an
emergency, we hear a different story for every news items from different individuals,
and our resources and talent simply goes to waste. What a shame.

[maij]

There are many reasons for these pathetic events that you have mentioned but for me, the most significant failure is: Lack of professional management and organization.

In a country , where it is more important for a person to name the 12 imams plus their children , understand the theology , be a deep-rooted divine Muslim , where thes knowledge of such things take priority on professional knowledge , technical skills , applications , modern techniques and management methods , what do you expect???

I am sure there are good managers and competent people who can run a football federation in Iran, but the question is whether they will be allowed to do so by a regime that has other priorities and agendas, or by a hyper critical media that claims monopoly of thought and knowledge or even by the ordinary Iranian fans that clearly think they know how to arrange a team line up better than best of the team coaches themselves!!!

Many things you see or experience in Iran feels like a low quality cheap imitation be it a tangible product, a line of thought or cultural habit and that is a deep-rooted problem. But blaming the government alone for all these shortcomings is an injustice and escaping the real facts. The people themselves have a major role to play in the society and their conduct and behavior does not augur to well in forming a civilized society in such a manner that forces the government to change for the better. The people themselves lack discipline and respect for others. Selfishness prevails; people claim knowledge without acquiring it, everyone is on his own, there is evident lack of unity.

There are far too many destructive minds in Iran than constructive. Don't go too far, just look at the PFDC forums and see how many people crucify any person who has gained the slightest bit of success, popularity or recognition. Daei, Karimi , Ghalenoei , Mayeli Kohan , to name a few , have been subject of hate messages and ridicule from the very people who should have some pride for their heroes. How do you expect the rulers and authorities to act? not very different from these ordinary people , because the rulers are not from planet Mars , they are the same culture and mentality that you find in the streets of Tehran , Shiraz or Tabriz .

The fact remains that for one reason or another , the society is suffering deep wounds and the culture of hate , feud , jealousy , and anarchy and as long as these feeling do not subside into a culture of respect for the law and the fellow citizens , discipline , clean competition , honesty and unity , and even sacrifice , then don't expect any progress in any field , let alone football.

Singling out IFF or the sport authority for those entire shortcomings is just like hiding the rubbish under the carpet.

[gol_kuchik]

Dear maij,

I don't believe being a devout Muslim and knowing the name of 12 Imams would preclude one from being professional, or makes one a bad manager. The best example is Bazargan. He was in charge of a water project back in the early 40's in tehran, and you would be surprised to know even today, this city of over 10 million uses the infrastructure he put in place. He could name all the Imams, and also helped establish religious schools which are not too different than private religous school in U.S with very high standards.

Nor do I think one needs to openly prey to be a professional, personally I dont believe in any of that. But this is more about professionalism as you put it, at ones job.

I also dont believe we need to overthrow a government every 20-30 years like we have done in the past 3000 years.

What I do believe in, is to constantly demand within each entity which we come into
contact with and see shortcoming, to improve itself and make specific demands. Part
of this, is to make law well defined and uniformly applied, processes open and individuals in charge held to account

Imagine if the above 3, were applied to the framework of football in Iran (obviously you can apply the above to any other segment).

1-Make the law well defined and uniformly applied:
When we define what exactly is the role of IFF head, and what his responsibilities are,
individuals in this position, must define and ask for resources they need, or point people
that create obstacles preventing them from doing their jobs. But if the federation, does not even
have proper control over its finances, TV rights etc how can the person in charge deliever
on anything.

2-Then the process is made transparent, so one would have the right to examine and
demand information to be provided: Did we get 6 million from FIFA for our WC appearance? How was it spent? How are all the monies for the advertisement we see in the stadiums and on all players shirts spent? How about T.V advertisement?

3-Once the law is defined and process transparent, then the individual in charge will be
held to account for his tenure in charge of an entity, IFF in this case. In our case, from direcotrs, to managers to coaches, individuals simply rotate in their jobs once they screw up. when a coach fails, he pops up in another team 2 weeks later. In a bigger scale, top managers who often hold 3 or 4 jobs at the high level are never scrutinized for the qualify of jobs they are doing. This has nothing to do with knowing the name of 12 Imams, but everything to do with some using the name of 12 Imams, to advance their own agenda and cover their incompetence.

[Doctor DOOM]

I think GK jan's topic header could have easily read:
football, a sample of mismanagement in Islamic Iran

afterall what have they managed correctly, so we shd expect football to be anything different?
NOTHING !

[purple_haze]

I think GK jan's topic header could have easily read:
football, a sample of mismanagement in Islamic Iran

afterall what have they managed correctly, so we shd expect football to be anything different?
NOTHING !

Well Peyman jan they have managed very well in one thing :

Playing on the majority of the people's ignorance, naivity, stupidity and dumbness, while surpressing the rest for 30 years.

And that my friend is what interests them, not anything else.

[maij]

Dear maij,

I don't believe being a devout Muslim and knowing the name of 12 Imams would preclude one from being professional, or makes one a bad manager. The best example is Bazargan. He was in charge of a water project back in the early 40's in tehran, and you would be surprised to know even today, this city of over 10 million uses the infrastructure he put in place. He could name all the Imams, and also helped establish religious schools which are not too different than private religous school in U.S with very high standards.

Nor do I think one needs to openly prey to be a professional, personally I dont believe in any of that. But this is more about professionalism as you put it, at ones job.

That is what you and me think , but that is not the point of view of the authority in Iran. what I meant by that example or religion , is that there is more emphasis in the regime on people being devout religious character than being a professional and skillful in his job. I can go on an elaborate more and give you examples( and experiences) that I am aware of , but trust me , we are going to reach to a deadlock because mo matter what we believe is right , it is not necessarily what the regime thinks.

Such thoughts prevent many competent managers from gaining positions and rising through the ranks. Managers who do not necessarily think that religious thoughts are on the top priority when it comes to organization , planning and project management , would be facing mighty tasks trying to conduct their tasks.

I also dont believe we need to overthrow a government every 20-30 years like we have done in the past 3000 years.

What I do believe in, is to constantly demand within each entity which we come into
contact with and see shortcoming, to improve itself and make specific demands. Part
of this, is to make law well defined and uniformly applied, processes open and individuals in charge held to account

Imagine if the above 3, were applied to the framework of football in Iran (obviously you can apply the above to any other segment).

1-Make the law well defined and uniformly applied:
When we define what exactly is the role of IFF head, and what his responsibilities are,
individuals in this position, must define and ask for resources they need, or point people
that create obstacles preventing them from doing their jobs. But if the federation, does not even
have proper control over its finances, TV rights etc how can the person in charge deliever
on anything.

2-Then the process is made transparent, so one would have the right to examine and
demand information to be provided: Did we get 6 million from FIFA for our WC appearance? How was it spent? How are all the monies for the advertisement we see in the stadiums and on all players shirts spent? How about T.V advertisement?

3-Once the law is defined and process transparent, then the individual in charge will be
held to account for his tenure in charge of an entity, IFF in this case. In our case, from direcotrs, to managers to coaches, individuals simply rotate in their jobs once they screw up. when a coach fails, he pops up in another team 2 weeks later. In a bigger scale, top managers who often hold 3 or 4 jobs at the high level are never scrutinized for the qualify of jobs they are doing. This has nothing to do with knowing the name of 12 Imams, but everything to do with some using the name of 12 Imams, to advance their own agenda and cover their incompetence.

That all comes under my title of poor management.

However , I was hoping that you address the people of Iran as well. Their role , their aspirations , their demands and the way they address their demands. Citizens should themselves set an example , before asking the government to address their demands in the right manner.

Establishing sets of rules and procedures is not exactly an impossible task that is beyond the capability of an average skillful person. I have done such things as a professional on many occasions, and with full confidence I can say that establishing rules for any organization , although demanding , time consuming and requires certain skills , is not beyond the capability of IFF or any other sport entity in Iran.

Also , setting rules , without proper application means a waste of time , effort and credibility. I think , this is the case with IFF.

[maij]

Well Peyman jan they have managed very well in one thing :

Playing on the majority of the people's ignorance, naivity, stupidity and dumbness, while surpressing the rest for 30 years.

And that my friend is what interests them, not anything else.

Spot on.......

People's ignorance and perhaps naivety played a major role in the system getting away with murder. Let us for a moment forget about football, what about politics and the way the politicians and rulers conduct themselves?

How many Iranians believe in the anhhilation of Israel and wholeherted support for Palestinians and other religious groups for their so called struggles? Why should the average Iranians pay the price for other peoples problems? Why should Iran's interest as a government and as a nation be subjected to religious fundamental thought with complete disregard for national economy and the progress of the country?

Sorry , I hate to indulge into politics , but like it or not , football and sport is suffering from the same mentality. The naivety of the government which thinks that the only thing that really matters is when we die and go to heaven, our lives are nothing but worthless , it is beyond death that is important.

[gol_kuchik]

However , I was hoping that you address the people of Iran as well. Their role , their aspirations , their demands and the way they address their demands. Citizens should themselves set an example , before asking the government to address their demands in the right manner.

I agree fully. I go one step further, those in government are people of Iran for the most part. I also agree that a citizen that does not participate, take ownership, and construct himself/herself, can not expect much from government. But he/she must be empowered to do so first.

Let's say you are a citizen that wants to run a club (with your own
money), but of course you are not a fool. You also want to reap the
benefit, if you happen to manage the club well and one day make it
profitable. However, without any control over stadium, TV rights, etc etc,
how would you do that?

I wasn't asking Iranian government to do anything extra as far as football,
but simply to not be an obstacle and prevent progress, like they have been doing.

A would be investor, can also create hotels and other facilities that can be used by visitors
and may be even other countries football teams .... I mean it is fashionable for us Iranian to
put everyone down, but look at UAE, my point was what is it they have that we dont?

Do you think their citizens are a lot more advanced than ours? How come now days, people
are investing there and not in Iran?

[khabalood]

Iranis (especially in Iran) need to start putting pressure on the IFF and IR to make positive changes. Its the only way anything will ever improve.

[maij]

I agree fully. I go one step further, those in government are people of Iran for the most part. I also agree that a citizen that does not participate, take ownership, and construct himself/herself, can not expect much from government. But he/she must be empowered to do so first.

Let's say you are a citizen that wants to run a club (with your own
money), but of course you are not a fool. You also want to reap the
benefit, if you happen to manage the club well and one day make it
profitable. However, without any control over stadium, TV rights, etc etc,
how would you do that?

I wasn't asking Iranian government to do anything extra as far as football,
but simply to not be an obstacle and prevent progress, like they have been doing.

A would be investor, can also create hotels and other facilities that can be used by visitors
and may be even other countries football teams .... I mean it is fashionable for us Iranian to
put everyone down, but look at UAE, my point was what is it they have that we dont?

Do you think their citizens are a lot more advanced than ours? How come now days, people
are investing there and not in Iran?

I think the argument is clear now. Both the government and the citizens are at fault and they both compliment each other in screwing up their lives.

Th difference between Dubai and Tehran is simply in the mentality and policy. a government that has utmost respect for peoples demand , versus one that tries to force the thoughts of a few on the majority.

Dubai , BTW , is not very rich in oil , but they have compensated that with free trade and encouraging of investment by eliminating restrictions and red-tape. And the result is what the whole world sees. Dubai has surpassed Hong Kong the jewel of Asia by its policies , organization and freedom of trade. It is not by far a perfect system , but has worked wonders. There are millions or even billions of Iranian money invested in Dubai alone...Simply because Iranians themselves don't trust their own regime .......and who can blame them?

I don't know about who is more clever out of the two people (Iranians or Arabs in Dubai) but look around and compare them , and somewhere there lies the answer.

UAE football , despite the ignorant voices of the few in this forum , is a few steps ahead of Iran in all fields. Petty they don't have 70 millions people to select from for their National team. The actual population of the UAE national is no more than 100 to 120 thousands (about the population of Karaj!) !!!!

[zzgloo]

In the debate in " tafsir e khabar " of "VOA", between Mr.sazegara,and Noorizadeh ( 1,9,08 ).....it was said, that last week during ahmadinejad's attendance in " Majles ", there was a fight among 5 " namayandeh e majles " over ,the left over glass of water,Mr.ahmadinejad had left....and finaly, the " namayandeh e majles who finaly got the glass, he drank half of the remaining water off the glass, and poured the rest of the water over his head, for " TABAROK "....................and here is our Senators !!!

[Ali Chicago]

....

UAE football , despite the ignorant voices of the few in this forum , is a few steps ahead of Iran in all fields. Petty they don't have 70 millions people to select from for their National team. The actual population of the UAE national is no more than 100 to 120 thousands (about the population of Karaj!) !!!!

A real eye opener when you compared the population. Thanks for the fresh perspective.

[Ali Chicago]

In the debate in " tafsir e khabar " of "VOA", between Mr.sazegara,and Noorizadeh ( 1,9,08 ).....it was said, that last week during ahmadinejad's attendance in " Majles ", there was a fight among 5 " namayandeh e majles " over ,the left over glass of water,Mr.ahmadinejad had left....and finaly, the " namayandeh e majles who finaly got the glass, he drank half of the remaining water off the glass, and poured the rest of the water over his head, for " TABAROK "....................and here is our Senators !!!

See khar hammon khareh faghat paloonesh avaz shoodeh. During the Pahlavi days they called the Shah "Khodayghan" means god like. Now it is Ahmadi nezhad that is a saint like figure. Remember during the Shah's regime, the motto of the country was Khoda Shaha Meehan. Shah was ahead of Meehan!!!! lol A few of Iranian are kiss ass or what???!!

[The-Red]

Asghar Shrafi said it the best in Zahab's program a few weeks back; basically football is being run by politicians and not people who should actually run the sport; people who are into that sport and have manegerial abilities, not "mazhabi-siyasi" guys who have almost no experience in it; as a result, we have these things happen very often.

[zzgloo]

Actualy," Karaj " , now, is the secound most populated city in IRAN, ahead of Isfahan.....karaj,has close to 7 million !!!