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Iran Allowed Back into FIFA Fold

The Executive Committee of FIFA, the world soccer?s ruling body, last month suspended Iran?s team from participating in international competitions after the Iranian government continuously interfered in the running of the game in the country. However, after marathon negotiations with various parties and mediators, FIFA decided this week to lift all suspensions and Iran will be allowed to participate once again.

The lifting of the ban came just in time ? this week, the draw for the 2007 Asian Cup finals was to be held and Iranian fans would have been devastated if their team was not included in the draw. Emergency talks were held between FIFA and the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation, bridged by Asian Football Confederation Chief, Mohamed Bin Hammam who acted as moderator. After tense debates, the Iranian side finally understood that FIFA had no intention of interfering in the country?s domestic policies and agreed to abide by FIFA?s rules.

Iran was not the first country to be suspended by the soccer body. In October, FIFA banned Kenya after that country did not honor signed agreements. The Iranian under-23 team was allowed, as a one-off concession, to take part in the Asian Games, however, the country was more concerned about next year?s games ? especially since its team only recently secured its place in the 2007 Asian Cup finals.