Iran 'will be at the World Cup'

AFP - IRAN'S football chief has insisted that no one can block the Islamic Republic from competing in the World Cup finals in Germany.

Mohammdad Dadkan, chairman of Iran's football federation, made the assertion in response to the West's standoff with Iran over its controversial nuclear program.

"Iran's team will take part in the World Cup with power, and no one can boycott us from this event. We will defend our football's legitimacy," Dadkin was reported as telling Iranian media.

He admitted there were problems organizing home fixtures in the run-up to the World Cup, adding: "In politics and in sports we are faced with many problems, but we are not afraid of any threats."

Less than a week ago, another Iranian football federation official acknowledged "problems" in organizing home games.

Dadkan added: "We have talked to the Argentinean team to play in Tehran, and we are ready to pay them 60 per cent of the agreement in advance as they have asked, because we do not have any problem in paying their price tag."