Iran to tackle World Cup qualifiers with foreign-based players

DPA – Iran plans to recall most of its foreign-based players as it tackles the first round of qualification games for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, ISNA news agency reported Saturday.

The initial 50-man squad includes almost all footballers playing outside Iran, including skipper Mehdi Mahdavikia and striker Vahid Hashemian who both play in the German Bundesliga, and Andranik Temourian and Hossein Kaabi, playing in the British Premier League.

Iran, however, officially has no coach yet, although Portuguese Artur Jorge is expected to finalise his contract with the Iranian Football Federation (FFI) early next week.

The initial squad was selected by Mansour Ebrahimzadeh who will also act as assistant coach to Jorge.

Also due to differences with the FIFA over governmental interference in football affairs, the FFI has had no president since last year. The new president is to be elected on January 9.

In the first round of the World Cup qualifiers, Iran has to play against Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

Before the qualifiers, Iran will have two friendly games against German club Hansa Rostock and the national team of Mali.