Maradona to coach Iran?

Diego Armando Maradona since being fired as Argentina coach in the summer after the 0-4 defeat against Germany in the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been linked with numerous coaching jobs or has himself shown interest in taking up the role with some national teams or club sides.

But the most curious of all links so far came out of Iran yesterday. Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was asked by the media if Maradona was coming to the country, which the president confirmed and when a journalist asked if Maradona would take charge of the national side Ahmadinejad noded which was interpreted by the local media as a yes. If there is any truth in the story one will have to wait and see.

Maradona over the last few weeks has been linked to a number of coaching jobs. While he was a guest in China it was speculated that he could either be named China coach or the manager of a Chinese club side, while he himself said only last week that he would love to coach his home town club of Boca Juniors.

But Maradona as Iran coach would surely give the upcoming 2011 AFC Asian Cup in January in Qatar an additional flavour. If it would help Iran's cause would have to be seen. And we need to wait for a statement from Maradona, if he would be interested in the Iran job.

And if you look at such a deal politically then Maradona could be an explosive addition to Iran's arsenal. It is known Maradona is friends with Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, while being critical of the United States and their allies. So Iran might be an interesting destination for Diego...