Klinsmann, Queiroz in Heated Spat ahead of Iran-US Clash at World Cup

19 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Former German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann speaks during the FIFA Technical Study Group presentation at the Main Media Center ahead of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. (dpa)
19 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Former German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann speaks during the FIFA Technical Study Group presentation at the Main Media Center ahead of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. (dpa)
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Klinsmann, Queiroz in Heated Spat ahead of Iran-US Clash at World Cup

19 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Former German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann speaks during the FIFA Technical Study Group presentation at the Main Media Center ahead of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. (dpa)
19 November 2022, Qatar, Doha: Former German footballer Jurgen Klinsmann speaks during the FIFA Technical Study Group presentation at the Main Media Center ahead of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. (dpa)

The Iranian football federation and national team coach Carlos Queiroz have angrily hit back at former Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann for saying that Iran's World Cup players use dirty tactics because it's in their “culture."

Both the federation and Queiroz on Sunday called for Klinsmann to resign from FIFA’s technical study group, while the Iranian federation said it demands an apology from the former Germany and United States national team coach. The federation asked FIFA for “immediate clarification” on the matter.

Klinsmann, who coached the United States from 2011-16 and led Germany to a third-place finish at the 2006 World Cup, said Friday it's the Iranian players’ “culture” to play dirty and use tricks to turn the referee in their favor as he was commentating on Iran’s win over Wales for British broadcaster BBC.

Iran plays the United States in a decisive Group B match on Tuesday.

“That’s their way of doing it. And that’s why Carlos Queiroz, he fits really well (with) the Iranian national team,” said Klinsmann, who also disparaged players from Central America. “I worked for the US for six years. They went to Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica. This fits their culture.”

Queiroz, who is from Portugal, responded on Sunday, when he accused the former Germany forward of having "a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority.”

“Those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to Football,” Queiroz wrote on Twitter.

As a member of FIFA’s technical study group, Klinsmann is supposed to “provide cutting-edge analysis” of all the matches at the tournament “while increasing and developing understanding of the game across the world,” according to the governing body.

Klinsmann tried to row back on his comments on Sunday, telling BBC Breakfast they had been “taken out of context.”

“I have never criticized Carlos or his bench,” said Klinsmann, who had criticized Queiroz for failing to qualify for the World Cup with both Colombia and Egypt before he returned for his second stint as Iran coach.

"All I described was basically their emotional way of doing things which is actually admirable in a certain way."

Queiroz invited Klinsmann to visit Iran’s national team camp to see for himself how much the players “love and respect” soccer, but called on the German to resign from FIFA’s group because of his “outrageous remarks” first.

Klinsmann was invited by the Iranian federation, too.

“Being a German, it is promised that Mr. Klinsmann will not be judged for the most shameful episode of the World Cup History, the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ 82, when West Germany and Austria fixed a result,” the federation said. “As a former player, he will not be judged by his famous dramatic dives.”



Man City Sign Dutch Midfielder Reijnders Ahead of Club World Cup

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
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Man City Sign Dutch Midfielder Reijnders Ahead of Club World Cup

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)

Manchester City confirmed the signing of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year contract on Wednesday and said the Netherlands international will be available for this month's Club World Cup.

Financial details were not released but a City team source has put the transfer fee at 55 million euros ($62.85 million).

"City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.  Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles, and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years," Reijnders said in a statement, according to Reuters.

"It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League. This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years and it's an inspiration to follow in their footsteps."

The 26-year-old, who has been capped 23 times, joined Milan in 2023 on a five-year contract before extending it until 2030 in March.

He made 104 appearances for the club in all competitions, winning the Italian Super Cup and was named Serie A's best midfielder last season.

"He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands," City's Director of Football Hugo Viana said.

Reijnders is City's fourth addition of the transfer window after left back Rayan Ait-Nouri, winger Rayan Cherki and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The expanded 32-team Club World Cup runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States with $1 billion in prize money at stake.