Iran Football Federation to Negotiate with Branko Ivankovic
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) will negotiate with ex-Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic over taking charge of Iran national football team.
Local media reported that the Iranian officials will negotiate with the Croatian coach in Zagreb on Monday.
Marc Wilmots’s team lost to Bahrain and Iraq at the Qatar 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers within a month.
The Belgian coach left Iran immediately after return to Tehran from Amman and the Iranian football fans has accused Wilmots of irresponsibility.
Speaking to Tasnim on Sunday, Ivankovic has denied the speculations linking him with Team Melli but it seems the Iranian football federation is reluctant to continue its cooperation with Wilmots.
"I didn’t receive any call from anyone and I didn’t have any negotiation,” he told Tasnim news agency.
Ivankovic has an excellent track record as a coach in Iran, since he helped Iran U-23 football team win the 2002 Asian Games.
He also led Team Melli to a third place in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China and also booked a place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Team Melli.
The 65-year-old Croat also won three consecutive titles in Iran Professional League with Persepolis.