Tehran

IRIFF (Islamic Republic of Iran football Federation) has sent a letter of protest to FIFA against the venue of the final match of the group between Korea Republic and Iran.

The planned venue for the match by the Koreans is Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, located in the industrial city of Ulsan.

Mohammad Mehdi Nabi , IRIFF spokesman said that his federation has sent a letter to FIFA underlining three major points in regard to the final match of Group A of Asian Zone FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying match . The first was the importance of selecting a suitable referee for this vital match, the second point a demand for playing the other group match between Uzbekistan and Qatar at the same time as the Korea Rep vs. Iran match and finally a demand for change of the nominated venue by the host.

The IRIFF spokesman added that” fortunately, FIFA has agreed with our second demand and now both matches will kick of simultaneously.   “

On the subject of the venue, Nabi said that Iran’s objection to the venue is based on the fact of logistical difficulties. There are no direct flights from any point in the Middle East to the city of Ulsan. There are several means of getting to Ulsan but all involve 3 sectors for Team Melli and all involve flying to China first. He also noted the distance between the hotel accommodation and the Stadium in Ulsan which is a minimum of one hour and thirty minutes. Mehdi Nabi also highlighted the fact that in FIFA regulations, a venue for FIFA competition must have a category A airport allowing international and intercontinental flight , but Ulsan has a category B which does not allow such flights.

 Based on all these facts, the IRIFF has sent a letter of protest on Thursdays to FIFA. The response by the International football body on the change of venue has not been announced yet.