Iran coach Carlos Queiroz responded in his own way to a question about women's rights in Iran, and indicated that the players are free to express their positions on the protest movement that their country has been witnessing for weeks.
During a press conference for the Portuguese coach - who is preparing for the 2022 World Cup with Iran - a journalist asked if Queiroz "feels comfortable coaching a team that represents a country that suppresses women," to which the former coach of Egypt replied, "What channel do you work with? How much will you pay me?" To answer that question? You're a private company, how much will you pay me? Talk to your boss, and at the end of the cup I can give you an answer if you make me a good offer."
Before he finished the press conference, Queiroz returned to direct the conversation to the journalist, and said, "I think you should stop and think about what happened with immigrants in England."
On the other hand, Queiroz indicated that his players are free to show solidarity with the protests sweeping their country during their participation in the World Cup, but they must do so within the framework of the tournament rules.
"The players are free to protest as if they were from any other country, as long as it is in accordance with the regulations of the World Cup and with the spirit of the sport. But you can - also - express yourself on the field in the sport of football, and the players have only one thing in their minds; which is the fight to qualify for the second round.”
Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz says his players have the right to protest amid the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in the custody of the morality police for wearing her hijab too loosely.
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The death of the young woman, Mahsa Amini, sparked a wave of demonstrations in several Iranian cities, and the Amini family says that she was beaten that led to her death in a police station, while the Iranian police deny these allegations, and say that she died of a heart attack.
Queiroz explained that the Iranian national team players set themselves the goal of reaching the second round of the World Cup, despite their participation in the difficult second group with England, Wales and the United States.
Iran failed to reach the second round in five previous World Cup finals.
Queiroz added, "They do not only want to be part of history, but to make history as well. If we bring joy and happiness to people, then we have done our job as players, and this is the most important thing for me as a coach of the national team."
The Portuguese coach - who has coached teams in the last four World Cups - said he felt the possibility of defeating an out-of-form England team, but stressed the need to respect the opponent as well.
Iran begins its participation against England at Khalifa International Stadium, next Monday.