Carlos Queiroz has agreed a three-year contract to become the new Iran coach.
Ex-Portugal boss set to lead qualifying bid
Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz has agreed a three-year contract to take charge of Iran's national team.
The 58-year-old, who was sacked as Portugal coach last September, arrived in Tehran early on Monday for final talks with the Iranian Football Federation (IFF).
It has been reported that after a meeting with the head of the Physical Education Organisation, Ali Saeedlou, Queiroz agreed to lead Iran's 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The former Real Madrid boss looked to have reached a similar agreement in February, even appointing his assistants, but reportedly turned the post down because his family was reluctant to live in Iran.
"I am here in Iran to help the team make it to the 2014 World Cup," Queiroz was quoted as telling a local news agency.
World Cup aim
"This is my most important aim and I hope with everyone's help we can make it."
Queiroz takes over from Tehran-born US national Afshin Ghotbi, whose contract was not renewed after Iran were knocked out of the 2011 Asian Cup quarter-finals by South Korea in January.
Iran failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, where Queiroz's Portugal made a disappointing second-round exit.
The ex-Manchester United assistant, who has also had spells in charge of UAE and South Africa, was sacked as Portugal coach after a disciplinary feud sparked by a six-month ban for insulting officials from the country's anti-doping body.
Iran begin their long quest for a fourth World Cup appearance when they play the Maldives in their opening qualifier on Wednesday.
