News ID: 501

Date: 07 August 2025 - 18:25

Taj: The Country’s Situation Is Excellent and Everything Is in Place

The country’s situation is excellent and secure.

The President of the Football Federation emphasized the constant security of the homeland and stated that contract termination must have its own specific conditions.

Mehdi Taj, speaking on the sidelines of the East Azerbaijan Football Board Assembly, said:

“Today we held a meeting with the governor and his deputies, discussing Machine Sazi, Tractor, and football development in the province. We plan to visit Yadegar-e Emam Stadium, and I’ve heard that excellent turf has been installed there. We hope other stadiums facing issues will follow suit. The Football Federation has also launched a stadium coordination task force.”

In response to a question about whether Alireza Beiranvand can play in national matches despite his suspension, Taj said:

“He is suspended. There are rules that allow a request for review after serving more than half of the suspension. The Appeals Committee issued an 11-page ruling.”

When asked if the ruling was fair, he replied:

“The Appeals Committee made the decision. In any ruling, some benefit and others lose.”

Regarding Persepolis and Tractor’s intention to appeal to CAS, Taj stated:

“Our statutes allow anyone to appeal to CAS. The federation and other parties did their part. What’s essential is respecting national governance.”

On the national team’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Taj said:

“The national team is in good shape. The head coach works daily at the PEC center. We’ve planned matches for the four upcoming FIFA windows. We’ve signed contracts with Russia and Ivory Coast, and just yesterday we were in talks with another country. We’re aiming to participate in CAFA competitions. Of course, we have some limitations. Coach Ghalenoei is also seeking strong opponents.”

In response to foreign players terminating contracts citing security concerns, Taj emphasized:

“Contract termination must follow specific conditions. The country’s situation is excellent and secure. If clubs object, the Football Federation may also file a complaint.”