Mir-Salim and Nategh-Nouri Can No Longer Become Presidents of Federations

In the new regulations for the eligibility of candidates for the presidency of sports federations, the maximum age has been set at 70 years. This age limit, unless supplemented by an exception clause or 'special conditions', will prevent some presidents from continuing their terms. The Ministry of Sports and Youth has approved the regulations, and currently, several federation presidents over 70 years old are not eligible for re-nomination due to this age restriction. According to the regulations approved last Esfand (March), the minimum age is set at 30 years and the maximum at 70 years. Candidates must also hold at least a master's degree or an equivalent recognized by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. Other requirements include no criminal record, no social rights deprivation based on definitive judicial rulings, no drug addiction, and having 'acceptable management experience'. Furthermore, candidates must also receive 'official approval from relevant authorities'. Each of these provisions could potentially prevent some federation presidents from continuing, but the age limit specifically indicates the end of the terms for three federation presidents. Seyed Mostafa Mir-Salim, born in Khordad 1326 (June 1947), recently turned 70. He was a prominent candidate in this year's presidential elections and was elected as the president of the Lifesaving Federation for the third consecutive time in 1392 (2013). Mr. Mir-Salim has held the presidency of this federation since 1368 (1989). According to ISNA news agency, the electoral assembly of the Lifesaving Federation is to be held this year. If the regulations are followed and the elections are conducted lawfully, Lifesaving will recognize its new president after 28 years. Mahmoud Mashhoon, another president, is 76 years old and has been at the helm of the Basketball Federation. He has held the presidency of the Basketball Federation multiple times and faced criticism from basketball experts, including his brother Kamal Mashhoon, the former president of the federation. He last became president in Khordad 94 (June 2015) and his term ends in two years. Ahmad Nategh-Nouri, aged 80, has ruled the Boxing Federation for nearly three decades. Under his presidency, the federation has not even won a bronze medal at the world level. Nategh-Nouri last became president in 93 (2014) and his four-year term will end next year, marking a new era for Iranian boxing with a change in leadership. ISNA's report raises the question: 'Will the Ministry of Sports act according to the approved regulations or will a new clause or exception be issued?' This question is serious and important because previously, clauses and exceptions in the law prohibiting dual employment and state retirees allowed some figures to continue their activities in federations.