Earlier this month, Iran football coach Carlos Queiroz invited six players from Sepahan FC to attend the Team Melli training camp in Johannesburg. However, the officials of Sepahan FC didn’t allow the invited players to join Team Melli because of the AFC Champions League.
In order to qualify for the next round of the AFC Champions League, Sepahan FC needs to beat Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia next week. According to reports, Sepahan goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi is planning to leave Iran for South Africa before the match against Saudi club to join Team Melli training camp.
“I have negotiated with the officials of Sepahan FC concerning my condition in the Iranian national football team. I am determined to play for Team Melli in the FIFA World Cup, so I have to join all training camps organized by Carlos Queiroz,” Rahman Ahmadi said in an interview with local media on Tuesday.
Queiroz has already announced that he would remove Sepahan players from his list if the Isfahan-based football club doesn’t allow players to join Iran’s training camp in South Africa.
Following the temporary retirement of Mehdi Rahmati in 2013, Carlos Queiroz decided to give a chance to Rahman Ahmadi. He was instrumental in helping Iran secure a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Ahmadi went on to say that Carlos Queiroz is interested in his services. “Fortunately I have managed to give my best services to Team Melli over the past few games. Despite not having so much experience at international level, I need to do all I can to help the Iranian national football team achieve its goals.”
Rahman Ahmadi started his career at Saipa, and he won the Iran Pro League title in 2007. Ahmadi is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in the IPL. He is currently linked to Esteghlal and Persepolis.