Iran boss demands payment to answer questions about women's rights

Carlos Queiroz demanded payment and walked out of his pre World Cup press conference, after being asked about women's rights in Iran.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Queiroz managed Iran between 2011 to 2018, taken charge of them through the World Cup in 2014 and 2018.

In the latter, they nearly surprised everyone by getting through a group with Spain, Portugal and Morocco, only for a last minute Iago Aspas equaliser, in Spain's game with Morocco, to knock the Middle Eastern team out, and of course there was that famous throw in.

He later took over at Egypt but his failure to help Mohamed Salah and co qualify Qatar has seen him go back to Iran to take them into the World Cup.

There has been calls to kick Iran out of the tournament, and replace them with Ukraine, who missed out on qualification to Wales in the playoffs.

That's due to the issues around women's rights in the country and the death of death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died while in police custody earlier this month.

There has been many protests in the country and criticism of the enforced wearing of hijabs for women. And, ahead of the tournament, Queiroz was asked about the topic.

"Are you ok representing a country like Iran at this World Cup that represses the rights of women?" the reporter said.

"To which channel you work?" the 69-year-old responded.

"Sky," came the answer.

"How much you pay me to answer that question? You are a private company, how much you pay me?

"Talk with your boss and at the end of the World Cup, I can give you the answer if you make me a good offer. Thank you."

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. pic.twitter.com/7MkqUtkWQ6

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 15, 2022

"You say it's an honour..." the reporter answered as Queiroz began to leave his seat.

"No, no. I'm saying, to answer to that question, don't put in my mouth words that I did not say. I'm asking to your company, how much you pay me to answer to that question? Ok. OK, thank you," the former Real Madrid boss said.

"I think you should start to think about what happened with the immigrants in England also. Go think about that."

Iran kick off their tournament against England next Wednesday, before taking on Wales a week on Friday and then USA the following Tuesday.

They will likely be the least favourites from the group to make it through, as they were in Russia four years ago, however they are only one rank below Wales according to FIFA, in 20th in the world.