As Khabar Online correspondent reported, in an open session held in the Majlis, the lawmakers did not find former celebrated athlete qualified to lead the newly established Ministry.
Out of 247 voting in total, 137 lawmakers voted against Sajjadi, 87 voted for him, while 23 abstained, causing his failure in joining the cabinet.
After the votes were cast, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said: "The character of Mr. Sajjadi as a former successful sportsman has been acknowledged and respected by the parliamentarians, even by those who were and are against his appointment, as some of them admired his achievements and status."
"But due to the significance of the new ministry, which should deal with two important issues of sports and youth, the entity must enjoy a powerful management as was suggested by a number of lawmakers who objected to his appointment," he stated.
Sajjadi, the deputy director of Physical Education Organization (PEO), took part in Barcelona 1992 Olympic and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.
The 42-year-old has participated three times in the Asian Games and he claimed a silver medal in the 3000-meter Steeplechase in 1998 Asian Games held in Bangkok, Thailand, according to MNA.
Parliament Speaker went on to say: "As a matter of fact those who voted against him were not ignorant of his records or the positive points in his character, but some lawmakers believe that a much experienced person with a powerful background in management would be more helpful for Iranian sports federations and other related organizations."
Appreciating Sajjadi's attendance in the Majlis, his efforts and discussions with various groups in the meantime, Larijani said: "We wish him a good luck and success in another post," he also hoped that Ahmadinejad proposes a new candidate to put the new ministry in order.
The issue of establishing the Ministry of Sports and Youth led to another row between the government and the Majlis. After three months of legal battle, finally in May the government bowed to the Majlis on implementing a law already passed by the latter on the formation of Ministry of Sports and Youth.
In January 2011, the Majlis ratified a bill on the merging of two organizations which had already been established, including the National Youth Organization and the Physical Education Organization.
Now one ministry titled the Ministry of Sports and Youth is to be shaped out of the two organizations. The agreement is almost predicted to remove the chaos and financial problems Iranians sports are coping with.
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