There is no shortage of controversy surrounding this year's World Cup, with the decision to host the tournament in a country with the human rights record such as Qatar. Those who have travelled to the nation have already experienced some issues, with Danish journalists being hassled by local authorities live on air.
Of course, there have also been questions posed about some of the countries that are participating in the event.
Iran are a prime example. They are currently coming under heavy scrutiny due to issues around women's rights in the country, with 22-year old Mahsa Amini dying in police custody earlier this month. Protests have broken out around the country as a result.
Iran manager storms out of press conference
Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is currently in charge of Iran after being appointed earlier this year, having also had a lengthy spell in charge of the side from 2011-2019. As a result, he is likely very familiar with these issues.
Speaking ahead of their World Cup opener against England, he was asked about the possibility of his players partaking in some sort of protest before the game. He said he would back anyone who chose to do so, but he would later take exception to a line of questioning from a Sky Sports reporter.
When asked whether he was proud to represent a nation with such a reputation, he would bite back at the reporter before eventually storming out of the press conference.
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
Reporter: Are you ok representing a country like Iran at this World Cup that represses the rights of women?
Queiroz: For which channel do you work?
Reporter: Sky.
Queiroz: 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.
Reporter: You say it's an honour...
Queiroz: 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? OL. OK, thank you. I think you should start to think about what happened with the immigrants in England also. Go think about that.
Iran's game against England on Monday afternoon with be the first ever meeting between the two nations.
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