Qotbi, coach of Iranian league leaders Persepolis, was the front-runner for the vacant Iranian national football team post but at the last minute was passed over in favor of ex-striking legend Daei.

There had been suggestions that Daei would ask Qotbi to work as his assistant.
“I congratulate Daei once again on his appointment as head coach and hope that he will lead the team to the 2010 World Cup -- but I would never work with him in the national team,” Qotbi told local media.
Reports in Iran suggested that, Iranian Football Federation (IFF) President Ali Kafashian had earlier decided upon Qotbi before Daei was selected.
“I reached an agreement with Kafashian on Saturday,” continued Qotbi, “and even said ‘goodbye’ to my players -- but I don’t know what happened after that. For a reply, I just look at the sky.”
Qotbi, an Iranian-American and former South Korean assistant coach, was seen as the favorite of the fans in the football-mad country, but now has to focus on leading Persepolis to the title.
(Goal.com) -