KLINSMANN IN ‘COOL IT’ PLEA
JURGEN KLINSMANN has vowed to speak with Carlos Queiroz after the Iran boss branded the former Germany striker “a disgrace to football.”
Klinsmann (above, left) claimed Iran “worked the referee” and said that was part of their culture, comments that enraged Queiroz, who said the former Spurs striker should resign from his FIFA role.
The veteran coach (above, right) invited him to visit Iran’s training camp to learn about their culture – but not before he quit his role as a member of FIFA’s technical study group.
Writing on Twitter, Queiroz said: “No matter how much I can respect what you did on the pitch, those remarks about Iran culture, the Iran national team and my players are a disgrace to football.
“We want to follow 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. “Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority.”
A stronger statement from the Iranian FA referenced Klinsmann’s reputation as a diver in his playing days, as well as Germany’s war history and involvement in a ‘fixed’ match with Austria at the 1982 World Cup.
“It is promised that Mr Klinsmann will not be judged for the most shameful episode of World Cup History, the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ 82, when West Germany and Austria fixed a result. As a former player, he will not be judged by his famous dramatic dives.
“And as a football professional, he will not be judged for any other historical matters related to
his country.” Klinsmann made his comments after Iran’s 2-0 win over Wales in his role as a BBC pundit. He said he intended to call Queiroz to explain his remarks and to defuse the situation.
“There was stuff really taken out of context,” said Klinsmann. “I will try to give him a call and calm things down.”