World soccer governing body FIFA officially lifted its
international ban on Iran on Wednesday.
A FIFA statement said, "FIFA officially informed the Iran
Football Federation (IRIFF) that the suspension imposed on the
federation on 23 November 2006 had been lifted."
"Therefore, the IRIFF and its clubs, referees, officials, etc.
may participate in all international football competitions and
activities with immediate effect.
The decision by FIFA's emergency committee comes after its
president Sepp Blatter said on Sunday the ban would be removed
following talks ahead of Wednesday's draw for the 2007 Asian Cup
finals.
FIFA's executive committee suspended Iran from all international
competitions last month because of the alleged government
interference.
(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2006)