Afshin Ghotbi Iran's new football coach

Deputy FFI President Mehdi Taj told state television Friday that Qotbi, the trainer of the squad Persepolis Tehran, has been chosen over four other contenders for the post.

The 45-year-old Qotbi will head the national team in the first round of the World Cup qualification games against Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, Taj said.

In case of success, the 45-year-old would also take the team into the second round and eventually to the games in South Africa, Taj added.

Iran, which had been the only national side in Asia without a head coach since last July, started its World Cup qualification games with a disappointing goalless draw against Syria earlier this month.

The FFI had in the recent weeks tried to employ the Spaniard Javier Clemente but its efforts failed. He had even signed a contract but his main demand not to live in Iran permanently was eventually rejected by the Iranian side.

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