Despite Iran Claims, Clemente Insists 'No Deal Yet'

GOAL – The Tehran media is claiming that Javier Clemente has been confirmed as the new coach of Iran national football team, after signing a three year contract on Thursday but the Spaniard has said that nothing has been agreed.

The Iranian media reported that the 57-year old met with Iran football officials in Spain on Thursday, and has signed an agreement which will see him coaching Iran until the end of 2011 Asian Cup .

"A contract for three years was signed with Clemente this morning in Spain," state television quoted Mehdi Taj, deputy head of Iran's Football Federation, as saying

Clemente was reportedly due in in Tehran on Monday, to be officially unveiled in a news conference and watch Iran's friendly game against Costa Rica on 30 January in Tehran.

However, the former national team coach of Spain told Spanish daily Marca that nothing was finalised.

"I have an offer from the Iranian Federation for me to take charge of the national team when they start the qualification phase for the World Cup, but there are still many things to talk about, and there is nothing signed yet," Clemente said.

Iran has been looking for a coach since the conclusion of the Asian Cup in July and the Spaniard is seen as an ideal candidate. Clemente's resume is full of prestigious names such as Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, RCD Espanyol, and Olympique Marseille.

Iran will start its World Cup qualification campaign on February 6 in Tehran against Syria.