According to KhabarOnline; Ali Tajernia, in an interview with Ana, about the changes in Esteghlal Club's board of directors and the issuance of the CEO decree for Mostafa Motadayyen, stated: The subject of Mr. Motadayyen's presence had been raised some time ago and examined seriously. In the previous board of directors too, we had a consensus about choosing him, and the relevant resolution had been adopted. I had also pointed to this subject in previous comments; however, the finalization of the selection process and the issuance of the decree required the holding of a general assembly, the determination of the composition of the board of directors, and going through the registration and administrative stages.

The introduction of the representatives of the legal entities took place within the fifteen-day window

He added: After the general assembly was held, the five legal entities, members of the board of directors, which were also present in the previous term, were determined. Then the process of introducing their representatives took place within the envisaged fifteen-day window. I and Mr. Najafi were introduced again, and Mr. Motadayyen also joined the composition of the board of directors as the representative of one of the legal entities. Each of the members is present on the board of directors in representation of the relevant legal entity.

The new board of directors also approved the selection of Motadayyen

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors continued: After the stages related to the board of directors' changes were gone through, the subject of choosing the CEO was also raised in the new composition, and the members once again voted for Mr. Motadayyen. Completing the administrative process of issuing the decree also took several days, and in the end, his decree was issued. Therefore, this selection has been the result of examination and coordination in the board of directors.

We welcome the provision of the possibility of travel for Iran's other representatives

Tajernia, about the margins of Esteghlal's trip to Qatar, said: Regarding the club's pursuit to provide the possibility of this trip, the necessary explanations have been presented, and I do not think the continuation of media disputes will help Iranian football. What is important for me is that this possibility also be placed at the disposal of our country's other representatives.

Facilitating the travel of Iran's representatives is a shared benefit for the country's football

He added: Esteghlal pursued a path to supply its need, and we are happy that the result of this pursuit can also be useful for other Iranian clubs. Facilitating the travel of Iran's representatives and providing suitable conditions for their presence in Asian competitions is a shared benefit for the country's football.

We also consider the success of Tractor and Gol Gohar to be the success of Iranian football

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors continued: I hope that in addition to Esteghlal, Tractor and Gol Gohar also appear in the competitions with calm and readiness and obtain worthy results. The domestic competition of clubs is natural and respected, but in the Asian arena, the success of each representative of Iran helps the credibility and standing of the country's football.

We are bound to the coherent pursuit of the rights of Iranian clubs

He stated: As an Iranian, I believe the capacity and background of our country's football requires that we have a higher standing in Asian club competitions. Achieving this standing needs both the improvement of our own performance and the coherent pursuit of the rights of Iranian clubs and the demand for fair competitive conditions.

Deprivation of hosting affects the opportunity of equal competition

Tajernia said: One of the important subjects is the non-holding of the home matches of Iran's representatives in the country. This situation deprives our clubs of the accompaniment of spectators and part of the natural advantages of hosting, and also imposes more costs on them. From our view, the effects of these conditions on the balance of competition must be paid attention to, and the responsible institutions must pursue the subject with seriousness and through official paths.

For the pride of Iranian football, we must distance ourselves from exhausting tensions

He added: Alongside the external limitations, we also face issues inside, the solution of which needs dialogue, prudence and calm. Unfortunately, sometimes a considerable part of football's energy is spent on disputes and margins. The expectation is that all of us, in whatever position, accept our share in reducing these tensions and concentrate our power on raising the quality of the competitions and strengthening the country's representatives.

Raising the Asian standing depends on the performance of the totality of Iran's representatives

Tajernia, about the effect of the clubs' results on Iranian football's standing in Asia, stated: The performance of the country's representatives in Asian competitions affects Iran's club score and ranking and, within the framework of the relevant regulations, the quotas of future periods. From this perspective, the positive results of each club are an achievement beyond that same club.

Let us try for this trend to continue with the success of Iran's other representatives

He continued: Tractor's good performance in the past season was also valuable within this framework. We must try for this trend to continue with the success of Iran's other representatives, so that the ground for raising the standing and improving the quotas of the country's football is provided.

The team's calm was our priority before the match with Shabab Al-Ahli

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, in evaluating the team's conditions before the match with the UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli, said: In this period, our priority has been to preserve the calm of the management complex, the technical staff and the players. Despite the discussions and margins raised around the club, we tried for the team's focus to remain on training, technical readiness and the competitions, and fortunately, suitable conditions have taken shape in this regard.

Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh has played an effective role in strengthening the team's cohesion

He added: Attending to financial obligations and welfare needs, alongside attention to psychological readiness and team discipline, has helped the improvement of conditions. In this context, Mr. Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh has played an effective and valuable role in preserving the cohesion and calm of the complex, and I deem it necessary to appreciate his efforts.

We trust the capacity of the players and the technical staff

Tajernia continued: We are happy with the results of Esteghlal's first two matches, but for the continuation of this path we must proceed with focus, realism and more effort. Shabab Al-Ahli is a capable opponent and a difficult match lies ahead; nevertheless, we trust the capacity of the players and the technical staff and hope to present a display worthy of Esteghlal's name.

Competition in Asia requires investment and infrastructure development

Ali Tajernia, referring to the investment of the region's clubs in football, stated: The clubs of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have made considerable investment in football over the past two decades. Attracting prominent players and coaches, alongside the development of infrastructure and professional facilities, has increased the level of competition in Asian football. A successful presence in such a competition, in addition to technical ability, needs planning, managerial stability and economic backing.

We are facing a powerful opponent

He continued: Esteghlal's upcoming match against Shabab Al-Ahli will be a difficult match. We are familiar with this team's abilities and know that we are facing a powerful opponent. Nevertheless, Esteghlal also enjoys valuable credibility, background and technical capacity and, relying on the effort of the players and the prudence of the technical staff, takes to the field to obtain the desired result.

I hope we defend Iran's credibility

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors added: The path of Iran's representatives, including Esteghlal and Tractor, in the Elite League is not easy. I hope we can, by presenting a worthy display, defend the credibility of the club and Iranian football and also gain points on the opponent's ground.

Margins must not take the place of the text of football

Tajernia, in answer to a question about the club's correspondence with FIFA in contractual subjects, including the Didier Ndong file and the Yasser Asani subject, said: Disagreement and competition are part of football; but when the margin overcomes the technical issues and the beauties of the match, the quality and credibility of football are harmed. In my belief, Iranian football has become excessively involved in controversies that consume the energy of clubs, managers and fans.

Our responsibility is to not let it affect the fans' calm

He added: The use of the right of objection, inquiry or complaint within the framework of the regulations is the right of every club. The issue begins from where disputes that can be handled in specialized authorities turn into continuous media conflicts. Our common responsibility is to not let this trend affect the calm of the competitions and the fans' trust.

Some challenges turn into exhausting crises

He continued: Instead of limiting the discussion to one player or a dispute between two clubs, we must ask why Iranian football is so prone to tension and why sometimes subjects that can be pursued through administrative and legal paths turn into exhausting crises.

The federation and the league organization must play a more effective role in regulating the clubs' relations

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, about the root of this situation, stated: From my view, part of these problems goes back to the shortcomings of the football governance system and the weakness of the mechanisms of dialogue and dispute resolution. It is expected that the Football Federation and the League Organization, with authority based on regulations, transparency and equal treatment, play a more effective role in regulating the clubs' relations.

The CEOs' unity initiative reached nowhere

He added: A while ago I tried to provide the ground for direct dialogue of the clubs' CEOs about common issues. That initiative did not reach the expected result, but I still believe that regular and targeted meetings of managers can help reduce misunderstandings and form common solutions.

Direct dialogue gives competition order and quality

Tajernia continued: Direct dialogue does not take the place of competition; it gives competition order and quality. The clubs, despite the conflict of interests on the field of play, have many common interests in subjects such as economic rights, infrastructure, the competition program and the credibility of Iranian football.

The main issue is the absence of clear criteria in football's relations

He, criticizing the multiplicity of tension-creating comments in football, said: Criticism of the performance of clubs and the responsible institutions is everyone's right; but commenting from any position is accompanied by responsibility proportionate to that same position. When the limits of responsibilities are not clear and accountability and observance of the criteria are not taken seriously, the atmosphere of football is easily caught by tension.

Sufficient capacity to prevent tension and resolve disputes in time  does not exist

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors emphasized: I would like this subject to be highlighted, that the issue of Iranian football is not merely the file of one player or the dispute of two clubs. The fundamental question is why the existing mechanisms do not have sufficient capacity to prevent tension and resolve disputes in time. Without reforming this situation, each time a new subject will take the place of the previous margin.

The club's position about Asani has been presented clearly and documented

Tajernia, in explaining Esteghlal's position about the Yasser Asani subject, stated: The club has presented the explanations and documents related to the subject in correspondence with FIFA and has also stated its position. Our emphasis is that the examination of the subject be carried out based on the collection of documents, the provisions of the contract and the relevant regulations; because the publication of part of the correspondence, alone, does not present a complete picture of a contractual subject.

Asani's contract with Esteghlal has continued

He continued: The club's position is that in the events under discussion, there has been no will to terminate the contractual relationship, from the side of Esteghlal and Mr. Asani. The continuation of cooperation and the behavior of the parties are also among the matters that the club relies on in explaining its position. From the club's viewpoint, the contractual relationship has been established, and Asani has also shown his cooperation and commitment to Esteghlal in practice. Of course, a definitive comment about the legal effects of the documents and events, in the event a dispute is raised, will be upon the competent authority of handling.

Professionalism must be manifested in the behavior and relations of the clubs

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, about the raising of some objections regarding the status of this team's players, stated: As far as I know, Al Sadd and Al-Gharafa, despite defeat against Esteghlal, have not raised an objection in this regard. Of course, raising or not raising an objection, alone, is not the criterion for judging the legal status of a subject, and every club has the right to pursue its rights within the framework of the regulations. My discussion is about the manner of facing disputes; professionalism must appear in behavior, observance of mutual rights and respect for official processes.

The power of the league is the backing of Iranian football's success

Tajernia continued: When a club is present in Asia on behalf of Iran, creating continuous tensions around it can affect the team's focus and, in the end, harm the interests of the country's football. Our clubs are each other's rivals inside, but in raising the credibility and standing of Iranian football, they have common interests. A powerful league and healthy competition provide the ground for the growth of all clubs and their success in Asia.

Timely announcement of decisions prevents the continuation of ambiguity

He, about the Yasser Asani subject, said: Disagreement about the interpretation of the contract's provisions or the legal effects of the correspondence also occurs in professional football, and the path of handling it is clear. Asani has continued his cooperation with Esteghlal and has shown his commitment in practice. The club has also presented its position and documents to the relevant authorities.

The prolongation of the interval between handling and announcement of the result provides the ground for speculation and the continuation of margins

Tajernia added: The disciplinary committee has decided in this subject and, based on the information that has been placed at my disposal, the subject has also been examined in the appeals committee and a decision taken about it. We expect the result of the handling to be notified within the framework of the relevant formalities and at the appropriate time. The prolongation of the interval between handling and announcement of the result provides the ground for speculation and the continuation of margins.

Our criticism of the federation is directed at the manner of governance and administration of football

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors stated: I have serious criticism of the manner of management of some issues in the Football Federation and its pillars. From my view, the administration of the league, the regulation of the clubs' relations, the prevention of tensions and the handling of structural issues need more effective attention and action.

An orderly league is one of the main bases of the sustainable success of the national team

He continued: Attention to the national teams is necessary, but the development of national football and the strengthening of club football must advance simultaneously. An orderly, high-quality league enjoying stability is one of the main bases of the sustainable success of the national team. We expect this connection to be seen more in policymaking and in the allocation of managerial attention.

We are confident in the club's legal position about Asani

Tajernia, about the status of this file, stated: Based on the legal examinations and the existing documents, we are confident in the club's position and pursue our defenses through the official path. The final determination will also be with the competent authority of handling.

The subject must be allowed to be examined in the relevant authority

He added: What is the place of my criticism is the conversion of a dispute capable of legal handling into a continuous subject in the media space. This situation can affect the player's focus and calm. Without wanting to judge the motives of persons or collections, I believe the subject must be allowed to be examined in the relevant authority, and the player must also concentrate on his professional responsibility. The Esteghlal collection continues its path with calm.

We pursue Esteghlal's rights; we also distance ourselves from media conflicts

Tajernia, referring to last season's events, said: In the past season, including about the unfinished matches and the decisions after them, we had disagreements and questions. Our effort was that the club's demands be pursued through official paths and the disputes not turn into an exhausting conflict between the clubs.

In the public space there have been some points regarding rivals, but we did not enter

He continued: Regarding some subjects related to other clubs as well, discussions have been raised in the public space, but we have not intended, without access to the collection of documents or before the announcement of the opinion of the responsible authorities, to judge their legal status. We expect this same approach to be observed about Esteghlal as well.

Every club must build its credibility with its performance

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, in explaining his previous statement that some clubs should learn from Esteghlal, said: My intention was not a claim of managerial superiority. What I meant was that each club should spend its power and energy on raising its performance and proving its merits. Sustainable credibility is obtained from the quality of management, technical performance and respect for professional principles; weakening the credibility of others is not a substitute for this path.

Regarding the rivals' issues, we have avoided hasty judgment

He, about the subject of the three-way tournament, stated: Regarding the decision related to the three-way tournament as well, we had questions and considerations, but the club's approach was not to convert it into a media conflict against other teams.

Commenting without sufficient knowledge of the documents does not help the clarification of the truth

Tajernia added: Regarding the discussions recently raised around the status of one of the rival team's players as well, Esteghlal's management collection has not adopted an official position. We believe the handling of such subjects is upon the responsible authorities, and commenting without sufficient knowledge of the documents does not help the clarification of the truth.

We must place the text of football at the center of attention again

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors noted: The reason for raising these criticisms is concern about the dominance of margins over the principle of football. In international competitions, technical quality, physical readiness, team cohesion and professional management are determining. If we spend a major part of our energy on internal conflicts, we will have less opportunity to raise these components.

They should bring disputes to a result through clear and specialized paths

He emphasized: For the improvement of the results of Iranian football, we must direct our attention and resources, more than before, toward education, infrastructure, planning and the quality of competitions. The responsibility of managers is to provide the ground for the focus of the players and the technical staff on football and to bring disputes to a result through clear and specialized paths.

To solve the volleyball team's problem, we follow the path of dialogue

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, about preventing the club's volleyball team from participating in the first week's match, because of the debts subject, said: In the communications and pursuits related to the team's financial obligations, some discoordination arose. Our initial impression was that the subject of the previous debts and the requirements related to it had gone through the necessary stages; but it became clear that for solving the problem, more pursuit and coordination had been necessary.

A delay occurred in the money transfer process

He added: This subject also coincided with the period of the board of directors' changes. Based on the reports presented, the necessary resources to pay the discussed amount had been envisaged, but a delay occurred in the money transfer process. The club must also accept its share in examining and removing this discoordination.

I hope, regarding volleyball, we can find a suitable solution within the framework of the regulations

Tajernia continued: I hope that in dialogue with the officials of the Volleyball Federation, we can, within the framework of the regulations, find a suitable solution and the possibility of revising the adopted decision be examined. For this team, planning and investment have been made, and we expect the players and the technical staff to find the opportunity to show their abilities in the competitions and be a worthy representative of Esteghlal's name.

The short-term infrastructure priority is the construction of a multi-purpose camp

He, about the plan to build Esteghlal's exclusive stadium, stated: In the memorandum of understanding with the Serbian side, the subject of cooperation in the development of sports infrastructure, including the building of a stadium, has been envisaged. However, our short-term priority is the pursuit of the construction of a multi-purpose camp for the club's various sports disciplines.

We are examining location options

Tajernia added: We are examining location options; including Tehran and some of the country's southern islands. The choice of location and the determination of the project's dimensions depend on the result of the studies, the possibility of providing land, obtaining the permits and the provision of an implementable economic model.

The memorandum of understanding is the beginning of the cooperation path

He continued: The memorandum of understanding is the beginning of the cooperation path, and its conversion into an executive project needs supplementary agreements and the provision of technical, financial and legal requirements. Our effort is for these stages to be followed with precision and realism.

Regarding the stadium, we place practical progress as the basis of information provision

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors said: Regarding the exclusive stadium as well, consultations have been made and requests have been presented to the Ministry of Sport and Youth, the Natural Resources Organization and other relevant collections. In view of the background of promises that have been raised in this field and have not reached a result, I prefer to postpone detailed information provision to a time when the executive preliminaries have reached a definite result. The fans have the right to see the fruit of the programs. The credibility of every plan is in its implementability and the extent of its progress, and we too must report proportionately to this same progress.

The new CEO is the highest responsible official in the executive administration of the club

Tajernia, about the division of responsibilities with the presence of the new CEO, stated: The CEO, within the framework of the statute, the approvals of the board of directors and the legal and delegated powers, is the highest responsible official for the administration of the club's executive affairs. The board of directors also bears the duties of policymaking, oversight and support. My belief is that observance of this same boundary helps the cohesion and efficiency of the club.

I hope the club's affairs proceed with greater focus

He added: I hope that with the presence of the new CEO and the use of his economic and executive experience, the club's affairs proceed with greater focus, and I too can have more opportunity to pursue the developmental and infrastructure programs.

Esteghlal must be administered based on the principles of corporate governance

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, in response to a question about the possibility of his separation from the board of directors, said: Regarding the composition of the board of directors and the responsibilities, the criterion is the official decisions of the club's competent pillars. What is important now is cooperation and coordination for advancing Esteghlal's affairs.

It rests on the transparency of responsibilities and accountability

He continued: For some time, my proposal too has been that the administration of the club rest, as much as possible, on the principles of corporate governance, the transparency of responsibilities and accountability. No title must cause ambiguity in the limits of the powers of the CEO and the board of directors.

I had asked that the title “plenipotentiary representative” not be used

Tajernia added: Regarding the title “plenipotentiary representative” as well, I had previously asked Mr. Shariatmadari not to use this title, so that the ground for different interpretations about the manner of administering the club not be provided. My approach has been, and will be, the pursuit of affairs through the official pillars of the club and respect for the legal responsibilities of the managers.

I welcome the selection of the new CEO

He emphasized: As I have said many times, I have not had a personal inclination to occupy the CEO position of Esteghlal. My view has been to help, alongside the club, in strengthening the managerial backing, the development of infrastructure and the advancement of long-term programs.

I welcome the selection of the new CEO

Tajernia continued: I welcome the selection of the new CEO and consider the presence of a manager with executive experience an opportunity to strengthen the club. His success is Esteghlal's success, and our duty is, with responsible cooperation and support, to provide the ground for this success.

My belonging to Esteghlal is not dependent on a managerial position

The chairman of Esteghlal's board of directors, about the possibility of the end of his responsibility, said: Managerial responsibilities are not enduring; what continues for me is my attachment to Esteghlal. If one day my official responsibility ends, I will still remain a supporter of this club and will strive, to the extent of my ability, for its success.

Let us put the collection's success ahead of personal considerations

He added: Support for Esteghlal should not be conditioned on our presence in the club's management. From my opinion, commitment to the club finds meaning when, outside of responsibility as well, we are its well-wishers and put the success of the collection ahead of personal considerations

I have not wanted Esteghlal's not obtaining a result to be a tool for weakening a manager

Tajernia continued: More than two decades have passed since my first experience of membership in Esteghlal's board of directors. In all these years, the team's success has had priority for me over every managerial disagreement. I have never wanted Esteghlal's not obtaining a result to be a tool for weakening a manager or proving a viewpoint.

Judgment about our performance is with the fans

He, in the end, noted: Judgment about our performance is with the fans. My duty is, with a clear record and responsible behavior, to be accountable for their trust and to remain useful for Esteghlal, regardless of title and position.

Source: KhabarOnline