Mehdi Taj was re-elected as the head of the FFIRI, securing significant support. His new term includes commitments to implement women’s teams, improve VAR technology amidst protests from clubs, and bolster the national team’s prospects for the World Cup. Taj faces considerable challenges while aiming to enhance Iranian football.
On Saturday, Mehdi Taj was re-elected as the President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) for a third consecutive four-year term, garnering 72 votes from the Congress. This overwhelming support signifies Taj’s significant influence in Iranian football administration. In his remarks following the election, he affirmed, “When nearly 90 percent of the congress vote for you, it means they liked the previous programs and their opinion is that the remaining tasks should be done.”
Taj has committed to the establishment of mandatory women’s teams across all Iranian league clubs, set to be implemented next season. However, he also encounters several daunting challenges during his term. A major issue at hand is the inconsistent application of VAR technology in league matches, which has resulted in protests from numerous teams regarding perceived unfair treatment by the federation. Taj has promised to procure six additional VAR devices and work with the IRIB to enhance connectivity and display quality.
Transparency surrounding VAR communications remains a contentious issue, with calls for the release of audio recordings from discussions between referees and the VAR room. Taj acknowledged the need for improved collaboration with the IRIB to ensure precise implementation of offside and goal-line technology. In discussing the national team, he expressed confidence regarding their World Cup qualification efforts and reaffirmed his support for head coach Amir Ghalenoei. However, doubts linger due to his prior decision to replace Dragan Skocic with Carlos Queiroz shortly before the 2022 World Cup.
Taj’s agenda encompasses efforts to improve the quality of domestic league football, bridge the divide between Iranian and regional clubs, and increase Iran’s allocation in the AFC Champions League. Iranian supporters have high hopes for their national team, aspiring for a successful campaign in the 2026 World Cup and a potential advancement to the knockout stages.
The forthcoming four years pose significant challenges for Taj, arguably more daunting than in his previous terms, as he strives to address complex issues within Iranian football while catering to the passionate expectations of the fan base.
In summary, Mehdi Taj’s re-election as President of the FFIRI signifies continued confidence in his leadership, despite the significant challenges ahead. The implementation of women’s teams, improvement of VAR technology, and support for the national team are among his key priorities. As Iranian football faces evolving demands, Taj must navigate these complexities to meet the expectations of both the league and its fervent supporters.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
