TEHRAN – Iranian media reported that Foolad coach Javad Nekounam would join the Team Melli’s coaching staff in the 2022 FIFA World Cup but the Iranian club dismissed the rumors. It means Carlos Queiroz will have to lead his outfit without an Iranian coach.

Roger De Sa (assistant coach), Ricardo Silva (performance coach), Alexandre Lopes (goalkeeping coach), Coach João Peixeiro (assistant coach/IT analyst), and Micael Moreira (physical therapist/rehabilitation coach) will be Queiroz’s assistants in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese coach has previously announced that he would just work with Nekounam and not another Iranian coach.

Nekounam’s Foolad are scheduled to meet Saudi Arabian club Al-Faisaly on Feb. 4 in the 2022 AFC Champions League Round of 16.

The Ahvaz based club have not accepted to release their coach for the 2022 World Cup since they want to book a place in the Round of Eight.

Iran football federation has so far failed to reach agreement with Foolad and Team Melli will depart for Doha without an Iranian coach.

Team Melli have been drawn in Group B of the 2022 FIFA World Cup along with England, the U.S. and Wales.

Carlos Queiroz’s side will start the campaign with a match against England on Nov. 21.