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Queiroz says Iran fails to implement preparation plan for World Cup

Xinhua, January 8, 2017 Adjust font size:

Carlos Queiroz, head coach of Iran's national soccer team, said Sunday that he is not going to continue his job with the Iranian Football Federation as it has failed to fulfil its promise for preparation plan for World Cup.

In a statement posted on his official facebook page, he said that he has presented a resignation letter to Iran Football Federation president.

"After a year without defeats, after reaching the first position in our World Cup qualifying group, and after confirming Iran as the best Asian team in FIFA Ranking, the Iranian federation confirms not to have conditions nor the authority to implement the approved Preparation Plan" for the World Cup, he wrote.

On Saturday, Amir Abedini, the member of the board of directors of Iran's Football Federation, confirmed that they received the Portuguese coach's resignation letter.

According to Tehran Times daily, Queiroz lost his cool after Iran's Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic criticized him over holding a training camp in Dubai, the UAE.

Ivankovic had said Persepolis' players need to rest in mid-season instead of taking part in a useless camp.

Queiroz expelled seven Persepolis' players from the camp in response to the Croatian's allegations.

The Iranian national soccer team was scheduled to play a friendly with Morocco in the UAE, but the match was cancelled.

Iran is currently at top of Group A in the Asia's 2018 World Cup qualifying with 11 points, and will take on Qatar on March 23 before facing China five days later. Endit