Swapping poison pens for boots

AFC - Members of Iran’s often-scathing football media have a frayed relationship with the country’s players and coaches.

The journalists revel in criticising players, coaches and selectors and are convinced they keep the game in check. Footballers, meanwhile, accuse the writers of being less than qualified to advise and pass judgment on professional athletes.

The writers are now trying to go one up in the debate – by becoming qualified.

That’s why a team of journalists formed a football team, roped in an ex-Iran international as their head coach and decided to undertake an overseas tour to Malaysia.

Mostafa Lashgari, sports editor for Iranian news agency ISNA, was part of the 21-strong contingent comprising 19 players and two coaches who visited AFC House this week.

GETTING A FEEL

“We are always being told that we are not qualified to write about football,” said Lashgari. “We decided to put together a football team among journalists, play the game and become qualified.

“This is our first trip abroad and it has been quite an experience. We wanted to see what it would be like to stay together, travel together, live out of hotels with all its problems and see how we deal with different personalities.

“It’s pretty much the same as what players do when they play away matches for various teams. We also want to show that we know what is going on in the field of play.”

The team, known as Resaneh Varzesh (Sports Media), was formed more than a year ago. Before their Malaysia trip, they played against domestic opposition in various provinces around Iran.

JOINING THE ENEMY

Reza Torabian, a former national squad member who has played for Iranian clubs Pas and Persepolis, is the team’s head coach.

Torabian has, during his time as a player, been subjected to criticism from the media. However, he jumped at the chance to coach the supposed “enemy”.

“We get along very well in the team,” said Reza. “Yes, the football journalists in Iran tend to be quite critical.

“But I believe that as long as the criticism is constructive and fair, it is not a problem and players have to accept it. There has to be a certain level of respect from both sides.”

Torabian steered his team to two victories in Malaysia, 4-3 and 4-1 over domestic sides hastily put together to accommodate the touring Iranians.

Resaneh Varzesh is made up of journalists from across many forms of media, including newspapers, radio, television and news agencies. Their positions range from editors to cameramen.

Now that they are armed with actual playing experience, will Iran’s football-loving public be seeing a more tempered and softer media?

“We will still keep a check on the sport,” said Lashgari. “But there won’t be 100 per cent changes. We definitely know how hard it is for players and maybe we will have better judgement the next time we write about football.”