The World Cup's chief organiser has described Jurgen Klinsmann's description of Iran's performance against Wales as "racist" before accusing Gary Lineker and the BBC of having "agendas" against the tournament hosts.
Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee, made the comments in an interview with talkSPORT on Monday morning as the furious response to Klinsmann’s comments continue.
The former Germany forward and United States boss, speaking as a pundit for BBC, took aim at what he perceived Iran’s “culture” of physical and aggressive play.