Iran's search for a national coach has taken a new twist after two news agencies claimed the country's football federation had finally made its choice - but named different people in the role.

Student news agency ISNA, quoting FFI head Ali Kafashian, said that Iran's world-record goalscorer Ali Daei (pictured) had been chosen.

Kafashian denied a report by the Fars News Agency which quoted FFI deputy head Mehdi Taj as saying Iranian-American Afshin Qotbi had been appointed.

Iran, without a head coach since July, have been seeking to pick an Iranian after attempts to secure Javier Clemente fell through because the Spaniard refused to live in Iran.

An attempt to woo Portuguese coach Artur Jorge was also unsuccessful.

Iran made a disappointing start to their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Syria.

The second game will be against Kuwait in March.

Reuters