Following Carlos Queiroz resignation from his role as Iran head coach, citing external  pressure, the Portuguese coach and Ali Kaffashian , the President of FFIRI made brief  statements to the press explaining their side of the events.

Ali Kaffashian denied that it was the issue of the two players that he ordered to be released to Omid team that lead to Queiroz submitting his resignation, on the other hand  , he declined to mention what was the reason given by the head coach except to say that he will leave it to Queiroz to respond to that !.

On his part, Queiroz said that a set of circumstances have piled up against him which made his job quite difficult. He also accused a few people without naming any to be working against him  behind the scenes. “For the best interest of all sides, I decided to quit and my last assignment will be these two important matches for Team Melli in Europe.”

Queiroz was none specific and did not elaborate more. He did not mention the release of Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh, despite the fact that he has threatened to quit his job if they were allowed to play for Omid team instead of Team Melli.  “At this time, I like to focus on the two important friendly matches in Europe.  I do not wish to discuss my resignation, let me get this job over with.” Queiroz stated.

Asked if there is any chance for a change of mind and his return to Iran, the Portuguese coach said “I will never forget the country and the people. The chances of coming back to Iran is quite high but not as coach of Team Melli.”

Queiroz is taking the squad to Austria for the match against Chile before flying to Sweden for the second match against the host country on 31st March.