Foxs Sports - A SHOCK new Socceroos coaching candidate could come on the market as FFA ramp up their search to replace Ange Postecoglou.
Foxsports.com.au understands Carlos Queiroz may be set to part ways with Iran just six months out from the World Cup after issuing a public ultimatum to the FA - back him or sack him.
After leading Iran to their second straight World Cup for the first time ever, having previously coached South Africa and Portugal at football’s pinnacle event, Queiroz’s six year spell in charge of Team Melli could soon end.
A source close to Queiroz has told Foxsports.com.au that disagreements with the Iran FA have gone public and could seal his coaching fate, putting him on the market soon after FFA confirmed the Socceroos coach selection panel.
Queiroz, a meticulous planner and former Real Madrid manager also spent two stints as Manchester United assistant coach under Sir Alex Ferguson where the club won three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.
At the heart of Queiroz’s frustrations is his inability to gain FA backing and funding for training camp and friendly preparations for the World Cup.
In Russia, Iran have drawn Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the third toughest group going off world rankings.
Regular local training camps and increased funding to arrange high profile friendlies against top nations is what Queiroz is after, leading the 64-year-old to make a staggering public ultimatum this week - back him financially, or sack him.
“I’m here to say Iran needs a special local preparation,” he said in a video posted on his official Facebook page.
“I don’t care about the threats and what they have been trying to do to stop me talking. The Iranians fans deserve a special World Cup preparation. We need to implement a special preparation to bring honour and pride.
“They can fire me, I don’t care, but it’s time to express my opinion because the Iranian fans deserve that and the players deserve full support to be ready to compete in this competition.”
Should Queiroz depart Iran, he would be in hot demand ahead of the World Cup, with his extensive knowledge of Asian football a potential major selling point for FFA.
Iran under Queiroz’s tutelage were the first Asian country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, sailing through their group ahead of regional powerhouses South Korea, conceding just twice in and going undefeated.
Past reports have suggested Queiroz earns in the vicinity of AU$2.5million a year.
The Socceroos have been linked to a host of big name managers out of work, including Jurgen Klinsmann, Sven-Goren Eriksson and Slavoljub Muslin.
FFA announced on Tuesday a coach selection panel which included ex-Golden Generation players Stan Lazaridis, Mark Schwarzer and Mark Bresciano who will work alongside head of national teams Luke Casserly, assistant coach Ante Milicic and team doctor Mark Jones.
FFA are still unclear whether a short or long term coach will be appointed, or whether they will opt for a local or foreign candidate.