Carlos Queiroz has demanded Jürgen Klinsmann resign from his role on FIFA’s technical study group after calling his comments about the Iranian team “a disgrace to football”.
After Friday’s 2-0 win against Wales, BBC presenter Gabby Logan spoke of Iran’s “hands on the game” and said they stayed on the right side of the law before hand them over to Klinsmann. “Yes, that’s their culture,” he said. “His way of doing it, and that’s why Carlos Queiroz fits in very well [with] the Iranian national team”.
The former Germany international added: “[Queiroz] he struggled in South America, failed to qualify with Colombia and then failed with Egypt to qualify and then came back and guided Iran, who he already worked with for a long, long time. So this is no accident, this is done on purpose.
“That’s just part of their culture and how they play, then they work the referee, you see the bench always jumping, the fourth official and the linesman, constantly in the ears, constantly in the face. Kieffer Moore will probably tell you more after the game about little incidents that we didn’t see.”
On Saturday evening, Queiroz was moved to respond to Klinsmann in a series of tweets in which it was clear the Iran coach was furious. “As much as I can respect what you did on the pitch, these remarks about Iranian culture, the Iranian national team and my players are a disgrace to football,” he said.
“No one can hurt our integrity if they are not at our level, of course. Even saying that, we would like to invite you as a guest, to come to our national team camp, socialize with the players of the Iran and learn from them about the country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, the whole millennium. Persian culture. And also hear from our players how much they love and respect football” .
“How [an] American/German, we understand you are not a fan. No problem. And despite your outrageous comments on the BBC that attempt to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not make any judgments about your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome in our family.”
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Queiroz then questioned Klinsmann’s official role at Fifa. “At the same time, we just want to follow closely what FIFA’s decision will be regarding your position as a member of the Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because obviously we expect you to resign before visiting our field”.
Iran’s players have faced huge pressure due to political unrest at home and face the USA in their final group match on Tuesday, knowing a win will guarantee qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in its history.