Title: Former Esteghlal CEO Samiei Addresses Club’s Transfer Ban and Management Challenges
In an exclusive television interview, former Esteghlal CEO Farshid Samiei broke his silence regarding the circumstances that led to the club’s recent transfer ban and the broader managerial challenges it has faced. Samiei, a figure central to the period in question, provided a detailed account of the club’s financial and administrative hurdles, while expressing his unwavering commitment to the team.
Addressing the Allegations
Samiei began by addressing the direct criticism leveled against his management, which some fans believe contributed to Esteghlal’s current difficulties, including a two-window transfer ban due to the unlawful termination of a player’s contract.
“A significant portion of these criticisms,” Samiei stated, “were formed based on a series of media campaigns and propaganda.” He directed his explanations toward the “sincere fans of Esteghlal,” those for whom the club itself is paramount, rather than internal factions or influential groups within the organization.
Navigating Financial Strains and Acknowledging Support
A central theme of Samiei’s explanation was the club’s longstanding financial instability. He expressed gratitude to key figures, noting that for years, Esteghlal had grappled with a lack of financial resources.
“From the day I entered the club until the moment I was present—except for the last two weeks—we always faced financial problems,” he explained. Samiei credited his legal expertise for preventing more severe consequences during his five-year tenure, ensuring the club never faced a complete transfer embargo despite witnessing numerous unilateral contract terminations.
He specifically thanked individuals for their paternal support of the club, highlighting the provision of a substantial budget as an “unprecedented” event in Esteghlal’s history. He praised the efforts that secured significant financial backing, emphasizing that such support was vital and hopes it continues for years to come.
On Rumors of a Return and Future Prospects
Directly addressing rumors of his potential return to a leadership role, Samiei was unequivocal: “The intense smear campaign against me in recent days is due to rumors about my return to Esteghlal, while I have not had any meetings with any of the club’s managers.”
He clarified that his only recent contact with the holding company was a strictly legal meeting months prior. However, he left the door open for a potential return, stating, “I myself have made no effort to return, but if I am ordered to, I will definitely come to finish the unfinished work. I am, and always have been, in love with Esteghlal’s championships.”
Structural Shifts in Club Management
Samiei provided insight into the evolving power structure at Esteghlal, contrasting the management style before and after the club’s acquisition by a major holding company. He described a shift from a model where the CEO had broad decision-making power to a collective, board-based approach where the CEO held just one vote.
“After the transfer to the holding company, everything was proposed within the framework of board meetings,” Samiei explained. “The manager was obligated to implement the board’s resolutions.” This, he noted, created a clear, documented framework for all major decisions, particularly concerning financial resources and budgets managed by the holding company’s representatives.
Through his detailed account, Samiei painted a picture of a club navigating complex financial limitations and structural transitions, asserting that his actions were consistently guided by a dedication to Esteghlal’s stability within the established legal and administrative frameworks.