|
FIFA to lift Iran ban: Blatter
FIFA President Joseph S Blatter announced here that the world governing body would be lifting the suspension on Iran, thus enabling the three-time champions to take part in Tuesday’s Final Draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2007.
"We have reached an agreement with the Iran Football Federation that allows Iran to participate in the draw for the AFC Asian Cup," Blatter told reporters. "It comes into effect from tomorrow. I put an embargo on it for today but I know you will not respect it. I hope our Iranian friends won't mind."
Blatter thanked AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam for the breakthrough. "I am grateful to Mohamed Bin Hammam who acted as the moderator in this case.”
"I am grateful that the government of Iran understands that we are not interfering in national politics. If you are part of the FIFA family then you have to observe FIFA regulations.”
FIFA had banned Iran from all football activities after governmental interference in the running of the game but allowed the u-23 team to take part in the recently concluded Doha Asian Games.
|
