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Tasnim – ISTANBUL, Branko Ivankovic has been named as new head coach of Persepolis football team on Monday.

The 61-year-old Croat coach replaced Hamid Derakhshan in the Iranian popular team.

Ivankovic has penned an 18-month contract with Persepolis.

Persepolis is scheduled to face Al-Nasr of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in Group A of the AFC Champions League.

Persepolis assistant Hossein Abdi will head the team in the home match and Ivankovic will sit on the stands.

Branko inspired Iran Olympic team to win the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Under the guidance of Branko, the Iranian football team advanced to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where Team Melli lost to Mexico and Portugal and drew with Angola in Group Stage.