Branko may lead Iran’s national team

PTV – TEHRAN, Director of Iran’s Football Federation (IFF) Ali Kaffashian says former head coach of Iranian national football squad Branko Ivankovic is among the candidates for the team’s top job.

Kaffashian said Saturday that Afshin Qotbi’s contract will expire at the end of 2011 Asian Cup football competitions in Qatar and the IFF is trying to appoint Qotbi’s successor before the continental showpiece, which is slated for January 2011, IRNA reported.

“Branko Ivankovic is one of the most successful foreign coaches that have trained the Iranian national team. He has a good track record and considered as an option,” Kaffashian said.

Branko is a Croatian coach and is currently the manager of Chinese Super League champion Shandong Luneng Taishan. He holds a PhD in physical education.

Earlier on Thursday, IFF’s Deputy Director Mehdi Taj said that Brazilian coach Zico is also among the candidates for the job.

Qotbi called up 27 players for the upcoming event, hoping to pilot the national team to glory in the finals.

Iran is in Group D of the 2011 Asian Cup along with the United Arab Emirates, North Korea and the defending champion, Iraq.

Iran has a current FIFA ranking of 66, behind Japan, South Korea and Australia. The Iranian national team won the Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976, and hosted the continent’s biggest soccer event in 1968 and 1976.

The Iranian team is currently in Qatar for a 10-day training camp and will take on the host in a preparatory match on December 28. It will also play another game with Qatar’s second team a day later. Qotbi’s men are scheduled to face Angola in a preparatory match on January 2 as well.

The AFC Asian Cup in Qatar runs from January 7 to 29.