TEHRAN – The Tehran-based Esteqlal Club Managing Director Ali Fat’hollahzadeh here Sunday named Firuz Karimi as the new trainer.

The shocking decision stirred up controversy as Esteqlal of Ahvaz Club has announced that Karimi is still the head coach of the southern side and will not allow him to part company.
Esteqlal of Tehran Club spokesman Hashem Saedi, however, confirmed the news and said Nasser Hejazi was demoted from trainer to technical manager.
Saedi said Karimi will officially be introduced as manager in Monday’s training.
The club has been under great pressure for weeks to do something for the popular team’s lackluster performance in the 7th Iran Pro League.
The IPL-winning Esteqlal lies in the 11th spot of the 18-strong table of football league.