The Mehdi Taj Case: The Competition of Candidates for the Presidency of the Football Federation
According to an exclusive document from Iran Gate, the Tehran prosecutor has responded to a judicial inquiry by announcing the candidates for the presidency of the Football Federation. Notably, the leading candidates with a chance to secure the presidency, Mehdi Taj, Mirshad Majedi, and Azizollah Mohammadi, each have more than one open criminal case. We must wait to see the outcome of the upcoming elections.
The former president of the Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, whose qualifications have reportedly been confirmed for the presidency of the Football Federation.
Documents released from the response to the judicial inquiry.
Who is Mehdi Taj?
Mehdi Taj, born on January 21, 1960, in Isfahan, was the president of the Iranian Football Federation. He resigned on December 29, 2019, due to illness. He previously served on the board of directors of Zob Ahan Isfahan, Sepahan Isfahan, Fajr Sepasi Shiraz, and Persepolis Football Club, and was also the CEO of Sepahan Club. From 2001, he was the managing director of the Jahan Football newspaper for ten years. From 2000 to 2005, he held the position of sales deputy and board member of Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan. Additionally, since May 2020, he has been a member of the Emergency Committee of the Asian Football Confederation.
On May 7, 2016, with 50 votes out of a total of 73 votes cast at the Football Federation assembly, Mehdi Taj became the new president of the Iranian Football Federation.
Resignation
Mehdi Taj resigned from the presidency of the Football Federation on December 29, 2019. He cited unstable health conditions and a heart attack as reasons to avoid responding to ambiguities raised in the Mark Wilmots contract and stepped down from the presidency.
Registration in the Football Federation Elections
In July 2022, Mehdi Taj registered again for the Football Federation elections, and his qualifications were confirmed by the Federation’s preliminary committee. This registration faced negative reactions from the football community.