Title: Persepolis’s Managerial Search Narrows as Candidate Denies Contact
Tehran – The search for a new head coach at Persepolis Football Club has intensified following the confirmed departure of Vahid Hashemian, with the field of potential successors becoming clearer as one prominent name has officially withdrawn from consideration.
A Key Candidate Rules Himself Out
Yahya Golmohammadi, the current manager of Foolad FC, has publicly denied any contact from the Persepolis club administration. In a statement to ISNA, Golmohammadi categorically refuted rumors of an approach, stating, “I deny the contact from the Persepolis sports deputy. This subject is not true. I am the head coach of Foolad and am preparing for our upcoming match against Shams Azar.”
This declaration effectively removes him from the list of speculated candidates to lead the popular “Reds.”
A Crowded Field of Speculation
In recent days, the vacuum left by Hashemian’s impending exit has been filled with widespread speculation. A number of high-profile names, from Branko Ivankovic to Afshin Ghotbi, have been circulated in media reports as potential successors. The situation has been dynamic, with several of these candidates reportedly removing themselves from contention.
This follows an earlier statement from Branko Ivankovic, who clarified that he would not be joining Persepolis, citing a focus on working at the national team level or stepping away from coaching entirely.
A Call for Clarity
The ongoing speculation has created a climate of uncertainty around the club. Reports indicate that the Persepolis board and its supporters are eager for a swift and official announcement regarding the new head coach. Such a move is widely seen as the best way to settle the team and curb the growing volume of rumors, allowing the club to focus on its future objectives with a clear and unified direction.