FIFA's Klinsmann insults Iran's national team, coach hits back
A tough game is expected on Tuesday as Iran faces the United States in a final Group B game that would put them through to the last 16 if they won.
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Former German football player Jurgen Klinsmann (The Guardian)
Former Germany's football striker Jurgen Klinsmann is being asked to resign from FIFA's technical study group, which analyzes the World Cup in Qatar, after he took a hit at the Iranian team following their win over Wales on Friday.
The former USA coach claimed the fouls and the behavior of the Iranian team during the game were part of an intentional strategy to make the other team "lose their focus".
"This is not by coincidence," he said, "this is all purposely. This is part of their culture, that's how they play it."
"That's their culture..."
— Lowkey (@Lowkey0nline) November 26, 2022
Jurgen Klinsmann confidently asserts that Iranians have a cultural predisposition to cheating in football matches four times in one minute.
Unchallenged.pic.twitter.com/HJiyjjVYo8
"They work the referee -- you saw the bench always jumping off and working the linesman and the fourth referee on the sideline. Constantly in their ears, constantly in your face on the field... this is their culture. They make you lose your focus, make you lose your concentration and what's really important to you."
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His remarks, which were seen as divisive and racist, they also drew a response from Queiroz, the coach of the Iranian national team, who labeled Klinsmann's comments as a "disgrace to football."
In a chain of posts on Twitter, Queiroz wrote: "Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority," adding: "No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran culture, Iran national team and my players are a disgrace to football."
No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football.
— Carlos Queiroz (@Carlos_Queiroz) November 26, 2022
Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course.
(...)
Queiroz invited Klinsmann to visit the Iranian camp at the World Cup to "listen how much they love and respect football" disregarding the "outrageous" comments - but stressed that he would only be welcome if he quit from the FIFA analysis team.
"We just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of FIFA regarding your position as a member of Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group," he wrote, expressing: "Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp."
At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be 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.
— Carlos Queiroz (@Carlos_Queiroz) November 26, 2022
Carlos
Iran's federation meanwhile reminded Klinsmann and the world of his reputation and of Germany's involvement in the notorious 1982 World Cup clash with Austria, known as the "Disgrace of Gijon", during which both sides agreed on a mutually beneficial result that eliminated Algeria.
"Iran Football Federation already asked for FIFA immediate clarification on this matter, demanding Mr Klinsmann apologies (sic) and resignation of his duties as FIFA Technical Study Group member," the Iran Football Federation stated.
A tough game is expected on Tuesday as Iran faces the United States in a final Group B game that would put them through to the last 16 if they won.
