Davari turns down Team Melli – report

PFDC – BRAUNSCHWEIG, Half-Iranian Daniel Davari declined Carlos Queiroz’ invitation to Iran’s national team for the upcoming game due to club duties but expressed his hope he’d get a second chance from the Portugese.

Eintracht Braunschweig’s goalkeeper should reportedly be invited for the Asian Cup qualifier against Lebanon in Tehran on February 6 but already has a league match with the Bundesliga 2 table toppers two days later.

“It would have been an affair of the heart to travel there [Iran]”, the 25-year-old told local newspaper ‘Braunschweiger Zeitung’.

“But I would have been fatigued after the long trip. That would have been too risky for me”, Davari added, referring to the big target of helping Braunschweig promoting to German Bundesliga.

However, the tall goalkeeper expressed his wish to play for Iran in future.

“I hope I will get a second chance – always assumed I keep performing for Eintracht [Braunschweig].”

Iran with new goalkeeping problem

The temporary rejection by Davari underlines Carlos Queiroz recent critisicm of the FIFA scheduling.

Iran’s national team boss pointed out the FIFA calendar is made to benefit European football. Asian and African teams suffer from the planning and will have severe problems if playing by the rules, he had told BBC Persian.

However, with Iran’s number one goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati having resigned from the national team under slightly mysterious circumstances, Iran are in need of a new number one right now.

Queiroz’ list for the upcoming qualifier will be released on Wednesday and is already eagerly awaited.

With former reserve keepers Mohsen Forouzan and Sousha Makani being sidelined, only Saipa veteran goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi seems a certain invitee.

Saba Qom youngster Hamed Lak could be another option together with Shahab Gordan. The former Zob Ahan goalkeeper had a dismal first season half with Persepolis but has regained form after joining Sepahan in December.

Meanwhile Rubin Kazan already confirmed they released Alireza Haghighi to the national team. The 24-year-old could have the quality to replace Rahmati but hasn’t played a single competitive game since joining the reigning Russian Cup winners a year ago.