Iran soccer team back to Doha Asiad after FIFA lifts ban

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-27 16:13

The Iranian soccer team, which had been confirmed to withdraw from the Doha Asiad due to FIFA's suspension, was back to the Games after the world soccer governing body lifted the ban temporarily, an official statement from the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee (DAGOC) announced here on Monday.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the DAGOC had confirmed Iran, Yemen and Turkmenistan's pull-out on a revised draw ceremony on Sunday and fixed a fresh draw for the group matches, in which Iran's original position in Group D was taken by Iraq.

"The Iran football team is now eligible to participate in the football competition of the 15th Asian Games," the DAGOC said.

FIFA suspended Iran from all international soccer activities on November 23 due to alleged government interference in running the game and non-adherence to their statutes, which has given an end to the defending champions at Doha Games.

However, Iran reacted quickly to the ban and showed an attitude of making a compromise. Dariush Mostafavi, Iran football chief was quoted by the national news agency ISNA on Sunday saying:" We have informed FIFA that we will adhere to all of their requests."

"We plan to announce our commitment to FIFA and finalize the agreement to bring an end to the suspension of the national team. We have asked FIFA to lift the suspension so we can participate in the Asian Games in Doha."

The Iran Football Federation sacked elected president Mohammed Dadgan following the national team's disappointing Germany World Cup tour. Both FIFA and the AFC set a November 15 deadline for Iran to reinstate Dadgan and to comply with the FIFA statutes.

FIFA Emergency Committee also pointed out a road map for Iran to lift the ban. FIFA and the AFC adopted the clear position that Dadgan and the members of his board remained the recognized and legitimate president and leadership of the federation. But Iran didn't do as required and led to heavy punishment.

The draw on Sunday was originally scheduled to be held a day before. A media official of Doha Games revealed that the postponement was made because they are waiting for the result of the negotiation between FIFA and Iran.

Iran's back to the Doha Games means a new draw will need to be made for the second round of the tournament.



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