Queiroz backs out of Iran deal

PFDC – TEHRAN, Former Portugal national team coach Carlos Queiroz refused to take over the Iran job, citing “personal circumstances out of football” for turning down the three-year-deal worth 4.5 million dollars.

Everything seemed set for a cooperation after lenghty negotiations, a visit from Queiroz to Iran and him watching Team Melli’s 1-0 friendly match victory over Russia in Abu Dhabi.

Although confirming an agreement with IFF early on Tuesday, the 57-year-old changed his mind and mentioned that his decision to turn down the Iranian offer is not directed to the Iranian football fans or “Team Melli”.

However, ‘Goal.com’ reports Queiroz is now set to become the new coach of Iranian archrivals Saudi Arabia.

According to some sources disagreements over two major points, one supposed to be financial and the other concerning the amount of time the former Real Madrid boss was supposed to spend in Iran every year, led to cancellation of the deal.

The latter point had already put an end to a deal with former Spanish national team coach Javier Clemente in 2008.

The Iranian Football Federation (IFF), who, especially through the director of their international committee Abbas Torabian, had dangered the deal from the beginning by prematurely announcing negotiations and contract details, already pursue a plan B since Queiroz’ departure from Iran.

Reportedly Frenchmen Roger Lemerre and Raymond Domenech are now the main targets of Ali Kafashian & Co, however, with this big deal failed another unspectacular domestic coaching solution, with current Zob Ahan coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh as most realistic option, becomes more likely.