The Iranian Volleyball Federation announced the appointment of Brazilian coach Mauricio Motta Paes as the new head coach for Iran’s men’s national volleyball team. Paes, who is currently leading the Ukrainian team Epicentr-Podolyany, has been selected to guide Iran up to and including the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with a potential extension of his contract for an additional two years.
Paes’s appointment comes after the dismissal of Behrouz Ataei in October 2023 due to unsatisfactory performances, particularly in the 2023 Volleyball Nations League. Paes brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as head coach for French teams such as Tourcoing, Tours, and Paris Volley, and the Japanese team Panasonic Panters. He also has experience as an assistant coach for the national teams of France and the Czech Republic.
As Paes takes the reins, he faces the challenge of revitalizing a team with dwindling chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, following poor showings in the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Nations League and Olympic qualifiers.
