Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, general secretary of Iran Football Federation, announced on Saturday that Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese head coach of Iran national football team, is going to invite Mehdi Rahmati and Hadi Aghili to Team Melli in coming days. The two players have been expelled from national team by Queiroz.
“Ali Kafashian, the president of Football Federation, has held several meetings with Carlos Queiroz with regard to the status of expelled players. Accordingly, the head coach has been confirmed that he will invite Mehdi Rahmati and Hadi Aghili to Team Melli for upcoming matches in World Cup qualifier games.” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi remarked during a press-conference.
Mehdi Rahmati, goalkeeper of Esteghlal FC, has previously criticized Carlos Queiroz for his poor management. In one of his interviews with local media, he suggested Federation’s officials to select an Iranian head coach for Team Melli, and appoint Queiroz as the coach assistant. Following his interview, Queiroz announced that he will no longer invite Rahmati to Team Melli.
Mehdi Rahmati is one of the best goalkeepers of Iran. He has appeared in 75 official matches for Iran national football team since 2004.
“Starting today, we will do what we could to help Team Melli to reach 2014 FIFA World Cup. Iran Football Federation also asks all local media to help Team Melli to achieve its goals. The national football will take advantage of this probable accomplishment; if Team Melli manages to qualify for FIFA World Cup.” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi added.