Heidari told IRNA that an official announcement on Qalenoie’s appointment as Team Melli coach is due later on Sunday.
He said that the decision to appoint Qalenoie was made following a series of discussions in the FFIRI about Iranian and foreign nominees to lead Iran’s national team.
A Saturday report by the IRNA had stipulated that Iran will pick Spaniard Félix Sánchez as its new head coach.
Qalenoie, a former Team Melli player, is the current coach of Gol Gohar Sirjan FC, a club based in southeastern Iran.
He will replace Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach who led Iran in three matches in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar in November and December.