A former Iranian federation employee, who left with Dadkan, said: "When they appoint a person who knows nothing about sports as the head of physical education (Dadkan's boss) this is the result."

"This shows (Iran's) mismanagement," the former employee, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.

Iran are the second country to face such action in the space of a month. Kenya were suspended on October 24 for failing to respect signed agreements and for recurrent problems in its soccer federation.

"When (President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad won the elections, they started to change all the managers including football managers. This is the result of having inexperienced people," said football fan Reza, who asked not to be identified further.

Ahmadinejad won the presidential race in 2005 and has replaced many officials in a range of institutions since taking office, drawing criticism from opponents who say the new appointments are often inexperienced.

The president dismisses such charges.

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