Shahin Rahmani

PLDC - Kuala Lumpur, Explaining why Iranian candidates were not awarded in the ceremony held for the selection of the year's bests for Asia, the Iranian member of AFC said, “AFC does not behave out of perversity with its members and it seems that some remarks in Iran are excessive.”


With regard to some claims that there was a grudge against Iran in the selection of the year's bests, Shahin Rahmani said, “There is no motive for this action. Why should AFC do this against Iran?”

Regarding the deprivation of Javad Nekounam as the Asian player of the year, he said, “His points were good and he was present up to the end of the final stage, but AFC has a decision-making committee who accredit according to their own standards and select the intended individual. The selection of the Chinese player was also natural and the decision-making committee have paid attention to the results of the team and its championship in Champions League. Do not forget that they are also humans and try to make the best decision, although their decisions might not seem favourable to others.”    

He further added, “One of the reasons that can affect the prizes, is the role of the championship of the teams. When a team becomes the champion, it emotionally and greatly affects others and attracts attention.”

Rahmani added, “I will give an example of futsal. When Iran’s team became the champion, it would seem that we reserved the prize for the best futsal team of the year as well as the best player, but with regard to the fact that the Thai team became the champion at the club level this year, they (Thais) won the prizes, although Iran’s futsal is better theirs.”

In response to the idea that Iran was ignored in the selection of prizes because Sheikh Salman is Bahraini and there are some political problems between Iran and Bahrain, this member of AFC said, “Anyhow, the people of Iran express their own opinions and it seems that some of these opinions seem to be out there. Of course, the unilateral media atmosphere is also governing such an atmosphere.”

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