News / Sports

Queiroz decides to part company with Team Melli

Saturday, 13 February 2016 3:25 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 13 February 2016 3:31 PM ]

Manager of Iran men’s national football team, Carlos Queiroz

Portuguese football coach Carlos Queiroz says he cannot carry on with "pressures" and decided to hand in his resignation and step down as the manager of Iran men’s national football team.

“The decision is meant to help President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) Ali Kaffashian. He will be criticized by footballers and the nation in case he sacks me.

“On the other hand, Kafashian will face opposition from FFIRI Secretary General Alireza Asadi and his clique for supporting me. Therefore, I will hand in my resignation, effective as of April 30, on Saturday,” Queiroz told reporters at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Friday.

The 62-year-old Portuguese coach criticized Iranian sports officials over their lack of support for Iran men’s national football team.

The decision appears to have been the last straw for Queiroz, who has been at loggerheads with FFIRI authorities and officials at Iran’s Ministry of Sports and Youth for quite long.

Iran men's national soccer team is scheduled to face off with India in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on March 24.

On November 17, 2015, the understaffed Iranian side put on a sparkling performance in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Guam Football Association Field in Dededo, conquering the hosts with an easy six-goal margin.

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