Jurgen Klinsmann has claimed his comments about Iran's national side were taken out of context amid a wave of racism allegations.
Former Germany manager Klinsmann was on punditry duty for Iran's group game against Wales, when two late goals handed victory to Carlos Queiroz's side. His comments came in for criticism, with the World Cup's chief organiser considering the language used to be racist.
Klinsmann vowed to speak directly with Queiroz after the controversy, after the Iran boss invited the former Tottenham striker to visit his team's training camp. Now, as Iran prepare for a crucial match against the United States, the 58-year-old has issued a statement on the matter.
"My comments on the Wales v Iran game were purely football related," Klinsmann wrote on social media. "Unfortunately, this was taken out of a footballing context.
"I have many Iranian friends and was always full of compliments for their people, culture, and history. I wish them only the best for the tournament."
Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee, had previously made his own position clear in a talkSPORT interview. "I don’t like utilising the phrase... I don’t wish to give energy to the phrase [but] it was very elitist, orientalist and racist to a sure extent," Al Thawadi said.
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“I’ll say it in this fashion: you take a look at what is going on and also you say it’s a part of their tradition, what do you imply by that?" he continued. "Are you saying it was misunderstood? He was representing a tradition in a unfavourable means."
Queiroz also responded strongly after Klinsmann's comments in the Wales game, where Roozbeh Cheshmi opened the scoring against Robert Page's side during second-half stoppage time and Ramin Rezaeian sealed victory. “It’s not by coincidence, it’s part of their culture, how they play,” said Klinsmann. "They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they’re constantly in their ear."
“No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran culture, the Iran national team and my players are a disgrace to football," Queiroz wrote on Twitter. "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.”
Iran's final group game will take place against the United States - who were previously coached by Klinsmann - on Tuesday evening. A victory for Queiroz's team will guarantee them a place in the last 16, while a draw would also be enough if Wales fail to beat England in the other Group B match.
