TEHRANTIMES - Persepolis head coach Branko Ivankovic could replace Carlos Queiroz if the Portuguese leaves his role at Team Melli, according to Croatian media.

Ivankovic, who extended his contract last week, has a term on his new contract which allows him to leave and become Iran coach if Carlos Queiroz quits.

Queiroz, who is under contract with Iran Football Federation until after the 2018 World Cup, has recently stated that he is not going to continue his job due to disagreement with the Iranian officials.

The 62-year-old Portuguese coach criticized Iranian sports officials over their lack of support for Iran men’s national football team.

Branko has a four-year spell as Iran national team head coach (2002-2006) and led Team Melli to 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Iran has qualified for the third round of World Cup qualifying round in Asia. The team has been drawn in Group A along with South Korea, Uzbekistan, Qatar, China and Syria.