Team Melli star Hashemian confident crisis will be resolved

AFC - Team Melli’s star striker Vahid Hashemian is confident that the current crisis which threatens to keep out Iran from the AFC Asian Cup Finals Official Draw on December 19 will be resolved by Tuesday’s deadline.

FIFA has suspended Iran and warned that in order to return to the international fold, the Iranian Football Federation has to satisfy all stipulations laid down by the world governing body, including the setting-up of a normalisation committee by tomorrow.

“It is not my duty to make decisions at this level,” Hashemian, who plays for Bundesliga outfit Hanover 96, told www.the-afc.com in an exclusive phone interview. “I am only a player but I am sincerely hoping, as are the others, that everything goes well.”

“As I understand the situation FIFA need an international commitment and we (Iranian Football Federation) also need to adjust ourselves with other football organisations,” added the 30-year-old forward.

“I am sure Iranian officials will solve the problem and there will be no suspension.”

Participation in the 14th edition of Asia’s premier national team event next year is important for Hashemian who missed the last instalment in China and played a limited role in the previous competition in Lebanon.

“In Lebanon 2000 I played for only minutes while I could not play in China. I am eager to make up for the previous tournaments now,” explained Hashemian, who has cemented his place in the team under coach Amir Ghalenoiee.

The Hanover 96 man said it did not matter who Iran were pitted against in the draw which takes place at the KLCC Convention Centre. “We have always gone into the AFC Asian Cup with our best resources and the question of the draw, while important, is not really that crucial.”

“But I personally don’t underestimate traditional contenders like Korea Republic and Japan. China are also a dangerous team in recent years. Besides these teams, Australia will be eager to make an impression on their debut.”

Hashemian also believes that the East Asians have a stronger support base in the South-East Asian region than Iran and Saudi Arabia. “Playing in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam (the four co-hosts) is a bit more difficult for Iran and Saudi Arabia as the East Asian teams can get a lot of fan support. But we are not scared. If you want to be champions, you have to think big.”

The key Team Melli player also warned that the current Iranian squad which has six Europe-based players would prove to be tough rivals. “Iran had only two Europe-based players in China 2004 but now we are six or seven. I think training alongside outstanding players like Sebastian Deisler, Bastian Schweinsteiger in the Bundesliga is much more effective than playing in lower level leagues. Here (in Germany) the competition is so tough. It is unbelievable. It is a great opportunity for us to compete on a daily basis with world class players.”

Iran, who have won the AFC Asian Cup thrice in 1968, 1972 and 1976, qualified for the Finals as Group B toppers. They finished third in China, 2004.