Australia in talks with IRIFF over potential friendly

The Sydney Morning Herald – SYDNEY, The Socceroos could be set to face former rivals Iran for the first time in more than 20 years, with discussions taking place aimed at staging a high-profile friendly in Australia before the 2018 World Cup.

Fairfax Media can reveal Football Federation Australia are deep in negotiations with their Iranian counterparts to play a senior international between the two nations for the first time since the infamous 1997 World Cup qualifier at the MCG.

A deal is yet to be done but it’s understood talks have advanced as the FFA sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Iranian football. Should they be successful in bringing Iran to Australia, a friendly will likely be held in the March international window in what both federations hope will be a key part of their preparations for Russia 2018.

FFA chief executive David Gallop confirmed that negotiations were taking place.

“We are talking to a number of excellent football nations from Asia and other confederations. Iran is one of them,” Gallop said. “The anniversary of that heartbreaking night at the MCG is a point to highlight. Many people, including me, remember it as one of the most devastating moments in Australian sport. It would be great to play a strong team in preparation for Russia but talks are at an early stage.”

Team Melli proved one of the biggest drawcards for fans at the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, boasting the second highest average attendance for a visiting team, second only to Japan. Despite moving to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, Iran is one of the only major nations in the region Australia has not played in a senior international.

Several previous attempts have been made to hold a match between the two nations, with logistical issues having proved too difficult to overcome.