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Fifa lifts ban on Iran for now

THE PARADE: Mamaledi Sundowns boss Patrice Motsepe, left, with Tshwane Mayor Dr Gwen Ramokgopa during the side's victory parade throught the streets of Pretoria yesterday. Pic. Kopano Tlape.
THE PARADE: Mamaledi Sundowns boss Patrice Motsepe, left, with Tshwane Mayor Dr Gwen Ramokgopa during the side's victory parade throught the streets of Pretoria yesterday. Pic. Kopano Tlape.

DOHA - Iran will be allowed to compete in the Asian Games soccer tournament after Fifa provisionally lifted an international ban, organisers said yesterday.

Fifa had suspended Iran, who won the Asian Games title in 1974, 1990, 1998 and 2002, from all international competition last Thursday because of what it cited as government interference in the sport.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter told reporters at a soccer and business conference in Dubai that world soccer's governing body had received "alarming phone calls" from Iran over the past 24 hours.

"We have agreed with Iran a route that needs to be respected. We are going to give them until December 5 to do so," he said.

"The ban is provisionally lifted. The Iranian team can participate at the Asian Games.

"If they fully agree to our road map ... we will lift the ban. But if the plans are not applied, then the ban will remain effective." - Reuters

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