“I know who will win the derby, but I won’t tell you!” says the IFF Chief!

I am sure the man is trying to be cute, but what would you say if two days before the most important derby in the country, the Chief of your football federation told reporters that he knew who was going to win the upcoming match, but would not tell us only because he did not want to take the fun out of it!

Well, that is exactly what Ali Kaffashian told reporters yesterday! Granted that Kffashian is not exactly known for his sense of humor, or intellect for that matter, but you would like to think that a man in his position would know better. During its forty one year history the integrity of the Tehran Derby has always been questioned by skeptics who think the results are prearranged. Ali Kaffashian’s comment will not help to ease the matter.

For the record 30 of the 66 encounters between these two teams have been draws; Esteghlal has won 20 and Perspolis 16.