Title: Historical Football Dispute Resolved, Paving Way for National Team Unity
A Lesson in Authority and Reconciliation
In a recent analytical interview, former Iranian national team coach Mohammad Mayeli-Kohan reflected on the critical principles of leadership and discipline within Iranian football. He emphasized the paramount importance of the head coach maintaining authority and charisma, drawing a parallel to the role of a father and teacher for the players.
A Past Dispute and its Resolution
Mayeli-Kohan revisited a well-documented historical disagreement with former star player Ali Daei in the summer of 1997. He underscored a firm principle from his tenure: “I swore on my mother’s life and my family that until Ali Daei announced he was mistaken regarding that incident, I would not invite him to the national team.”
The situation was ultimately resolved through formal channels. The late Dariush Mostafavi, then President of the Football Federation, personally visited Mayeli-Kohan’s home with a written communication. The document confirmed that Daei had contacted Mostafavi and apologized for the events that had transpired.
Official Correspondence Clears the Path
The formal note, dated September 3, 1997, from President Mostafavi to Coach Mayeli-Kohan, stated: “With regard to Mr. Ali Daei’s contact with me, which has led to the fulfillment of your opinion in this matter, it is hereby necessary to proceed with his invitation.”
This official resolution allowed for Ali Daei’s subsequent return to the national team, where he contributed to the final qualifying rounds for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The episode stands as a testament to structured conflict resolution and the upholding of coaching authority for the greater good of the national team’s objectives.