Queiroz faces inquiry over anti-doping agents row

LISBON (Reuters) -- Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz will be asked later on Friday to answer allegations that he insulted Portuguese anti-doping agents before the World Cup.

According to local media reports, the episode could cost Quieroz his job following their disappointing second-round exit to eventual winners Spain in South Africa.

Earlier this month, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) opened an inquiry after an initial report by the state-run Portuguese Sports Institute said Queiroz had insulted anti-doping doctors during a surprise visit to the World Cup training camp in May.

Former Real Madrid coach Quieroz has two years of his contract to run with the national team.

The FPF said its board of directors would meet on Friday at 1500 (1400 GMT) to discuss the matter.

Queiroz said the state was using the Portuguese Sports Institute to interfere with the FPF's probe and that he could lodge a complaint with FIFA.

Though most soccer federations are public bodies, FIFA regulations try to maintain their independence by outlawing government interference in soccer affairs.

In comments broadcast by RTP TV channel, Queiroz did not directly refer to the possibility of being fired, but said: "If I am harmed by investigators' actions that push the FPF to make a decision, there is clear state intervention in a federation and I may resort to FIFA.

"This is clearly meddling by those who created the report," he added.

The coach was confident he still had backing from FPF president Gilberto Madail as he acted only to safeguard the team's interest.

Queiroz said the inquiry had been handled incorrectly, adding that he had "been the victim of a public lynching ... on matters about which I have not even been heard".