In 1972, Atabay became the President of the Iranian Football Federation, succeeding Mostafa Mokri. Though Mokri had achieved significant success, including two Asian Cup victories and an Olympic qualification, internal conflicts with the Physical Education Organization threatened to undermine his legacy. The Shah, passionate about sports as a symbol of national prestige, turned to Atabay—a man of discipline, diplomacy, and royal trust—to stabilize and elevate Iranian football to the global stage.
