Qotbi replacement not ruled out by IFF

PTV - The head of Iran's Football Federation (IFF) says Afshin Qotbi will remain Iran's manager but has not ruled out future changes in the national team.

Public support for Qotbi sharply dropped after Iran failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. However, he has promised to win the Asian Cup title which is to be held in Qatar next year.

“Mr. Qotbi will remain the manager of the national football team,” IFF head Ali Kafashian said on Tuesday.

“However, we will not hesitate [to make changes] if the national team needs modification or reinforcement,” he added.

Iran has won the Asian Cup title three times, the last of which was in 1976.

Kafashian did not deny IFF talks with foreign managers but did not disclose further details.