While the term soccer is used in the United States of America, I will be using the term «Football» for the remainder of this article since «Football» is the true name of the sport called «Soccer». Also, the Federation in the article that is being written uses the term «Football».

The year 2009 started with another controversy for the Iranian Football Federation and it was one that it tried to avoid. The Iranian Football Federation went as far as to try to be diplomatic about the whole situation. It involved a Popular Sports Programme called «90» which was transmitted by IRIB or the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Network.

The popular Sports Programme «90» is hosted by a popular football [soccer] commentator whose name is Adel Ferdowsipour. Mr. Ferdowsipour dared to criticize the Iranian Football Federation in his programme. He added salt to the wound by questioning the leadership abilities of the Federation with regards to Football.

The Iranian Football Federation responded with indignation and decided to take measures against the programme «90» and their host Adel Ferdowsipour. One of the measures that was taken was the prohibition by the Iranian Football Federation on the subject of participation in the «90» programme. In other words, no member of the Iranian Football Federation were allowed to be interviewed or to be part of the «90» Programme as a sign of maintaining dignity.

In the next programme, Mr. Ferdowsipour asked the people who support the programme «90» to text their approval or disapproval of the programme. The people wanted the»90″ Programme and its host Adel Ferdowsipour.

The stadiums in Iran were filled with banners and pennants supporting the «90» Programme and its host Adel Ferdowsipour. Of course, Mr. Ferdowsipour should have been more careful over how he expresses himself with regard to the Iranian Football Federation. He should have concentrated more on what he is an expert on which is to report about football [soccer] without allowing his bias to interfere on objective sports reporting.

Mr. Ferdowsipour should have presented documented proof about the management of different football [soccer] programmes in Iran by the Iranian Football Federation. The United States Mainstream Media should learn from this experience and invite people who watch it to vote on what programme should remain on the air via texting and E Mail.

I am of the rule that a Football [Soccer] Federation should be respected and that any internal situations should be handled by the experts within the federation without the need of involvement of outside forces. A sports reporter can make a comment or report about what has happened but without destructive criticism.

Reference:

Press TV: «IFF expects Positive Changes in «90» 21 January 2009 18:33:06 GMT

http://www.presstv.com/Detail. aspx?id=83188&sectionid=35 10211

Press TV: «Poll 90 More Popular than Ever» 27 January 2009 18:48:03 GMT

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.a spx?id=83886&sectionid=351 0211

http://www.helium.com/items/1330168-90-and-the-iranian-football-federation