Iran head coach Queiroz tells Klinsmann to resign after BBC comments
Iran demands that Klinsmann apologises and resigns as a member of the Qatar 2022 technical study group.
The Iranian Football Federation has complained to FIFA about statements made by Jurgen Klinsmann that it considers harmful to football in the country. Iran demands that Klinsmann apologises and resigns as a member of the Qatar 2022 technical study group.
The association of the country explains that it has officially contacted FIFA because it understands that, apart from “several unfortunate considerations regarding the Iranian national team and its staff”, the former coach “issued judgments on the Iranian culture.”
What did Klinsmann say?
Speaking on the BBC after Iran’s 2-0 win against Wales on Friday, former striker Klinsmann said: “Carlos fits really well with the national team and their culture, he failed in South America with Colombia and then failed to qualify with Egypt, and he came in right before the World Cup with Iran, where he worked for a long time. It is not by coincidence, it is part of their culture, how they play.
“They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear. There were a lot of incidents we didn’t see. This is their culture, they take you off your game.”
Iran look for apology from Klinsmann
Iran has asked FIFA ”for immediate clarification on this matter, demanding Mr. Klinsmann’s apology and his resignation as a member of the Qatar 2022 technical study group.
”The Iranian national team invites Mr. Klinsmann to visit the Melli team concentration in Doha, to learn about the thousand-year-old Persian culture and the values of football and sport.” The Iranian Federation points out that, despite being German, Klinsmann “will not be judged for the most shameful episode in the history of the World Cups, the ‘Disgrace of Gijón’ in 1982, when Federal Germany and Austria fixed a result.
“As a former player, you will not be judged by your famous ‘pools. And surely, as a soccer professional, you will not be judged by other political or historical questions related to your country. On this visit, Mr. Klinsmann will be asked to review the 99 minutes of the last Iran-Wales game, despite the fact that the game has already been broadcast worldwide, and is recognized by many as one of the fairest and most beautiful in the history of the World Cups”, adds the Iranian Federation.
Queiroz responds to Klinsmann
Iran head coach, Carlos Queiroz, published on his official social media account a thread of messages addressed to Klinsmann, who he accuses of questioning his character “with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority”: “You took the initiative to call me Carlos, so I believe it is proper to call you Jurgen. Right? Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical judgment of superiority. (...)”.
“Disgrace to football”
“No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football. Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course,” the Portuguese coach wrote. He added: “Even saying so, we would like to invite you as our guest, to come to our National Team Camp, socialize with Iran players and learn from them about the Country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, all the millennial Persian culture… And also listen from our players how much they love and respect Football.
“As American/German, we understand your no support. No problem. And despite your outrageous remarks on BBC trying to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not produce any judgments regarding your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome to our Family.
“At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of FIFA regarding your position as a member of Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp,” he added.