Queiroz returns for second stint as Iran coach

The Iran football federation announced Wednesday it had turned to one of its former managers, Carlos Queiroz, to replace Dragan Skocic ahead of this year's World Cup finals.

The appointment of the 69-year-old Portuguese follows a campaign pledge to hire the services of the ex Real Madrid boss again by the new head of Iran's football federation, Mehdi Taj.

Queiroz took Iran to the 2014 and 2018 World Cup finals during an eight-year stint at the helm, the longest in the national team's history.

"Carlos Queiroz was chosen as the head coach of Iran's national football team," the federation confirmed on its website.

"In addition, Mr. Dragan Skocic, the former head coach of Iran's national football team, will be thanked for his efforts during his cooperation with the Football Federation," it added.

Skocic was sacked in July only to be reinstated days later.

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Taj was elected president of the Iranian football federation last week, after previously occupying the role from 2016 to 2019.

Taj pledged to reappoint the former Manchester United assistant coach and Portugal national handler during his election campaign.

Iran will be appearing at their sixth World Cup finals in Qatar.

They begin their campaign against England on November 21 and will also play Wales and the United States in Group B.

Queiroz was last in charge of Egypt, quitting in April after failing to agree terms on a new contract.