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Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has voiced anger and frustration at how international sanctions are damaging his plans to build for the team's future.
The three-time Asian Cup champions began their bid for a first title in 39 years with an impressive 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Melbourne on Sunday, but Queiroz said it was wrong that Iran's young footballers were being "victimised" by politics.

	We suffer a lot to prepare friendly games and to move internationally to prepare the team and players

	Carlos Queiroz
"It's been very difficult," the former Portugal and Real Madrid manager said. "We suffer a lot to prepare friendly games and to move internationally to prepare the team and players. After the World Cup the situation has been getting worse and worse.
"The players are victimised by the limitations of the sanctions."
Sanctions imposed on Iran since its nuclear programme became public in 2002 have crippled its economy.
Queiroz complained that the knock-on effects were hampering his plans, and accused Fifa of not releasing up to US$8 million in appearance money owed from last year's World Cup in Brazil.
"The situation is worse because the money is stuck," said Queiroz, who took the Iran job in 2011. "It's stuck in Fifa and stuck in the AFC [Asian Football Confederation]."
Queiroz's side managed to play only two friendlies in the run-up to the Asian Cup, against South Korea last November and Iraq earlier this month.
"When we come to a competition like this, we have 80 million people dreaming about the team's expectations, 80 million people supporting the team," said the 61-year-old, who has brought a squad with several untested players to Australia. "But we can't play because we don't have the chance.
"Korea and Iraq did us a big favour, paying some of their expenses. When you come to this tournament [you see] it's not about fair play. For those who always talk about fair play, there is no fair play.
"In order to change and really prepare the future of the Iranian national team, it's time we got the all-clear from directors and the people that can help," he added. "Iran cannot progress and it's not fair for sport people, football players."


'Unfair' sanctions damaging my plans for Iran soccer side, laments coach Carlos Queiroz

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz says his players are being victimised by international sanctions against the country. Photo: EPA

Sport

Football