Iran Olympic team manager Habib Kashani said the ministry is reluctant to hire a foreign coach for the Olympic team.
“A total of six Iranian coaches have been shortlisted for the job and Hossein Faraki was our top choice for the position but he said that he remains committed to his job with Sepahan,” Kashani said.
Former Montenegro coach was supposed to replace Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada and two partied had previously reached an initial agreement.
Under tutelage of Vingada, the Iranian Olympic football team suffered an early exit from the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Kranjcar has been out of work since leaving Iran’s Sepahan in September.
Iran football team has not participated in the Olympics since 1976 Montreal.