President of the Iranian Football Federation: Queiroz Will Stay

Ali Kafashian, the President of the Iranian Football Federation, stated in a television program that after discussions between a representative of the Ministry of Sports and Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of the Iranian national football team, it has been decided that he will continue his work with a 90% certainty. On April 24, Kafashian mentioned in the television program '90' that Queiroz had previously convinced them that he would not stay. However, ultimately, according to the President of the Football Federation, after the presence of the Ministry of Sports representative, 'in a seven-hour negotiation (on April 22), all issues were discussed and exchanged, and at the end of these sessions, it was decided that Queiroz would stay and continue his work.' He referred to Reza Hasani-Khoo, the Director General of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, who participated in the negotiations with Queiroz. At the end of the negotiations, the President of the Football Federation stated that Queiroz's status was still unclear. When the news of Hasani-Khoo's presence was published, the Ministry of Sports emphasized that there would be 'no interference' in the renewal or termination of Queiroz's contract, and the decision regarding this matter rests with the Football Federation. Hasani-Khoo himself stated in an interview with the Fars news agency that 'we had a conversation with the minister, and it was decided that negotiations would continue. There are some problems that need to be resolved through mediation.' He emphasized that the Minister of Sports personally supports the negotiations and the continuation of Queiroz's work. Kafashian mentioned in the television program '90' that Hasani-Khoo had announced the Ministry of Sports' support in the meetings with Queiroz. According to the President of the Iranian Football Federation, the national team coach had two requests: 'First, that material and moral support be provided for the national team to participate in the preliminary and final qualifying competitions for the World Cup.' He emphasized that the material support he referred to does not relate to the head coach himself but is a request for support for the team. The second issue for Queiroz was that 'he believed he was not supported by part of the sports community and feels that some have come to eliminate him.' Ultimately, the representative of the Ministry of Sports of Iran announced their support for the national team coach. According to the President of the Iranian Football Federation, Reza Hasani-Khoo also 'assured that material and moral support - especially - moral support would be provided.' Ali Kafashian also referred to the 'very high public support' for the Iranian coach and said, 'We expect that organizations and institutions will deal with the federation regarding the national team.' The draw for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers will take place on Tuesday, April 25, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.