TEHRANTIMES - President of Iran Football Federation (IFF) Ali Kafashian says that Iran is a safe country to host football matches.
The Saudi football association has announced that it would not participate in international matches in Iran.
Saudi football clubs Al-Ahli FC, Al-Hilal FC, Al-Ittihad FC and Al-Nasr FC issued statements demanding that they play Asian Champions League matches against Iranian clubs in neutral venues.
“Saudi Arabia barred its citizens from traveling to Iran but sport has nothing to do with politics,” Kafashian said.
Kafashian denied speculation that countries Qatar, Lebanon and Oman have been chosen as neutral venues for Iran and Saudi Arabian clubs matches.
“Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has not yet issued any statement on this matter. First, we will wait for them to announce their decision on this matter, then we will make our decision,” he added.
“Iran is a safe country and if the Saudi Arabian football officials don’t agree with it, must give evidence. We host Iraq and Afghanistan matches since Iran is not a dangerous place,” Kafashian said.
