Carlos Queiroz makes an unexpected decision

Thursday 09th January 2025 12:35 PM

Algeria Football– Tunisian football is in full swing as advanced negotiations with Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz (71) seem to be on the verge of success. Queiroz, who has coached several national teams and prestigious clubs during his career, is tipped to take the reins of the Tunisian national team, succeeding Kaïs Yaâkoubi, interim coach since the departure of Faouzi Benzarti.

Queiroz’s arrival in Tunisia

According to information obtained by Al-Araby Al-JadeedCarlos Queiroz arrived in Tunis on Wednesday evening, accompanied by his agent, the Iranian Shah Moradi. The Portuguese technician will stay in Tunisia for several days to finalize discussions with the Transition Committee which currently manages the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF).

A person close to the committee, on condition of anonymity, revealed that the interim president of the FTF, Kamel Idir, is due to meet Queiroz this Thursday. This meeting could also take place in the presence of the Minister of Sports, Sadok M’ralli. Discussions will focus on the duration and financial terms of the contract. The Tunisian side is offering a one-year renewable contract, conditional on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. For his part, Queiroz’s agent insists on a long-term commitment, a point which will have to be decided during negotiations.

Support from the Ministry of Sports

Queiroz’s signing could benefit from financial support from the Sports Ministry. The latter is ready to invest to attract a renowned coach capable of leading Tunisia to the World Cup. This qualification would bring significant revenue to the FTF thanks to bonuses paid by FIFA, thus helping to reduce the current financial deficit estimated at around $2.5 million, with a possible increase to $4.5 million by March next.

An electoral context

Queiroz’s arrival comes at a key moment, a few weeks before the FTF elections scheduled for January 25. If an agreement is reached with Queiroz before this date, the new elected president will have to accept this decision taken by the Transition Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports.

Carlos Queiroz, former coach of Real Madrid and the teams of Iran, Colombia and Portugal, could thus begin a new adventure in Tunisia. The Eagles of Carthage, in search of stability and success on the international scene, are banking on the experience of the Portuguese technician to achieve their objectives, in particular qualification for the 2026 World Cup.