March 16, 2018
Carlos Queiroz has been offered a contract extension to remain as head coach of Iran’s national soccer team beyond the World Cup finals this summer and through the Asian Cup finals next January.
Queiroz’ current contract expires at the end of the World Cup in late June.
“The Iran Football Federation has presented Carlos Queiroz with a proposal for a contract extension until January 2019,” a source told Reuters. The state news agency also carried a similar report.
“Carlos is honored by this approach because it not only shows recognition of the job he has done for seven years in Iran, but also confidence in the future,” the source told Reuters.
“Carlos recognizes the will of Iranian soccer to continue with him as national team coach and he is obviously touched by this proposal from a country that shows unique passion for the game and where the fans show great support.
“Therefore, he will carefully analyze this proposal and take into consideration the technical and structural conditions that are important for the team.”
Iran last won the Asian Cup in 1976, the third of three consecutive titles, and Queiroz has been credited by many with restoring the country’s soccer fortunes.
He was in charge when Iran last appeared at the Asian Cup finals in Australia in 2015, only to see his side eliminated in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shoot-out by Iraq.
The Asian Cup, which will feature 24 nations for the first time, will be played in the UAE, kicking off on January 5 with the final to be played in Abu Dhabi on February 1.
