TMDC - As customary in Iran, after every announcement and selection of players for international matches of Team Melli, a group of people let out a flurry of allegation against the selection of the coach.

The selection of players for the Bosnia friendly and then Bahrain match in the second round of the World Cup 2006 qualifying was no exception. Beginning with the players themselves to their coaches, fans and last but not least the media who fuel the most of the controversies.

This is not entirely unusual, as in other countries, similar discontent or differences in opinion occur on player selection between the coaching staff and the people on the other side of the fence. However, in European countries these arguments are quickly subdued with the majority accepting that the accountable person for selection is the coaching staff rather than popular or individual opinions that have no accountability or responsibilities for results.

The Iranian experience is somehow quite different and boarders comical acts in instances. Fans perhaps could be excused for their feeling of frustration because their favorite players were not picked, but it is a different story for the others especially coaches.

The allegations, vague references to corruption, and references to the coach as being incompetent or does not understand the Persian culture is quite different than the European situation. Extremist opinions and sharp criticism that is rife is a result of a chronic power struggle that ultimately has lead to problems in Team Melli inside the pitch and outside of it.

As the worst offenders, some coaches or ex-coaches may feel dismay at the fact that their players have not been selected. Most of these coaches’ opinions are purely self-centric and self serving rather than considering the bigger picture and the ultimate objective of success for Team Melli.

But there is another aspect to this as well. A classical case is what happened after the announcement of the recent list where Mr. Ali Parvin and an ex-coach of Team Melli was quoted as saying that their were people behind the scene who prevented the selection of Ali Ansarian in Team Melli.

There is certainly a big question mark in such statements. As an ex-coach of Team Melli, one would be excused to expect some rationale from the likes of Parvin. To act more responsibly takes back-seat in the priorities of some club coach’s instead unsubstantiated claims will possibly serve to spread disaccord and doubts amongst the masses. Of course such misdeeds are not limited to Parvin a person who is no stranger to controversy, as the disappointed players all have their own agenda and come up with claims and accusations instead to accepting their fate and reality.

But for the rest of us, it is important to have confidence in Branko Ivankovic and his coaching staff as he is ultimately responsible and accountable for the success of the team. He has a proven track record and despite his wishes he has known to accept pressure to include players that he did not find suitable for the team. Case in question is Khodadad Azizi’s saga.

However, mounting pressure on him by the media and others to include other player will be a dangerous precedent that will harm the Iran’s football national interest and may make future quality coaches, especially foreign coaches, have second thoughts about working for Team Melli.

It is indeed ridiculous to think that Ivankovic is fault-less, but the fact that so many outsiders are awaiting for the opportunity to pounce on him is becoming a conduct unbecoming in Iran’s football.

There are attempts by these dark forces to enhance their status and power by simply attacking the deeds of other and not accepting any outsiders or people within their own closed circles. Despite the huge euphoria amongst the Persian football fans around the globe supporting Zandi, these dark forces in fact objected to including Zandi in Team Melli with some feeble and lame excuses.

It is indeed important for the masses to understand the motives of these dark forces and do not let the affairs of Iran’s football be run and dictated by a small group of power mongers.

Excreting undue pressure by using the media may backfire for all. It is not for the rest to decide if any coach selection is right or not, selection of a football team representing a country has never been by popular election.