WashUJon
12-18-2006, 03:00 PM
World football's governing body Fifa has agreed to allow Iran to return to international football.
Fifa had originally suspended Iran because of excessive government interference but provisionally lifted the ban for the Asian Games in Doha.
"This is a good outcome where football has shown its intentions when it comes to interference," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
Holders Iran will now be eligible for the Asian Cup draw on 19 December.
Fifa has strict statutes that forbid government influence on affiliated football associations.
The suspension was originally imposed after Iranian football president Mohammed Dadkan was sacked by government officials for the country's failure at the World Cup in Germany.
The deal was negotiated by Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam.
"I'm grateful to the political leaders in Iran for understanding that we're not dealing with the internal running of their country," added Blatter.
"If you participate in FIFA everybody has to abide by the FIFA statutes, otherwise they can stay in their country."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6178284.stm
Fifa had originally suspended Iran because of excessive government interference but provisionally lifted the ban for the Asian Games in Doha.
"This is a good outcome where football has shown its intentions when it comes to interference," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
Holders Iran will now be eligible for the Asian Cup draw on 19 December.
Fifa has strict statutes that forbid government influence on affiliated football associations.
The suspension was originally imposed after Iranian football president Mohammed Dadkan was sacked by government officials for the country's failure at the World Cup in Germany.
The deal was negotiated by Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam.
"I'm grateful to the political leaders in Iran for understanding that we're not dealing with the internal running of their country," added Blatter.
"If you participate in FIFA everybody has to abide by the FIFA statutes, otherwise they can stay in their country."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/6178284.stm