Iran says banned from hosting international football

Iran's football federation said Friday it has been banned from hosting international matches inside country. "federation received a letter today from Asian Football Confederation... anuncing decision to hold AFC Champions League matches hosted by Iranian teams in neutral countries," said a statement on federation's website. An extraordinary meeting was immediately held to address situation and manrs of four clubs representing Iran in tournament will be consulted on Saturday, it added.

Those teams are Persepolis, Esteghlal, Sepahan and Shahr Khodro. " final position of Iranian clubs and federation will be anunced in following days". federation did t state reason for ban.

federation's spokesman said Iran is prepared to host foreign teams and has guaranteed match security to AFC, calling on organisation to stand against any accusations stating orwise. "Iran has full readiness to host teams and has proven this repeatedly in recent years," said Amir Mehdi Alavi on federation's website. He pointed to last year's AFC Champion's League finals held in Tehran and said " sports minister has given AFC needed security assurances regarding hosting" teams.