Iran Volleyball Federation has dismissed Brazilian coach Mauricio Motta Paes following a series of disappointing results in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). Paes, appointed in late February amid much fanfare, was seen as a long-term solution for Iran’s national team, Team Melli. However, his tenure was cut short after the team suffered seven defeats, leaving them at the bottom of the VNL standings and out of contention for the 2024 Olympic Games.
In the wake of Paes’ dismissal, his assistant, Peyman Akbari, has stepped in as interim coach. Despite the change in leadership, Iran endured their eighth consecutive loss in the VNL, falling to Turkey 3-1 in Fukuoka, Japan. This defeat dropped Iran to 17th place in the rankings.
