Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has urged the country’s authorities to commit more funding to the preparations for next year’s World Cup finals.
“The situation basically is the same as in the past,” Queiroz told Reuters.
“We have the federation trying to do their best. But unfortunately in Iran, and I think all over the world, when you struggle with financial support it’s always very difficult to implement a programme.
“We qualified three months ago and at this moment there is no reason for us not to have a clear plan and a consistent budget in order to make decisions.
“If you copy the preparations of the last four World Cups, you don’t go anywhere. It’s a simple conclusion,” he added.
Queiroz’s side became the first team from Asia to book their ticket for Russia in June. It will be the fifth time the Team Maelli have appeared at the World Cup finals.