FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Iran has assured him female fans will be allowed to attend stadiums "soon" after they were barred from a game he attended in Tehran.

Iran has barred women from attending men's football games since the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Just like predecessor Sepp Blatter five years ago, Infantino returned from a trip to Tehran with a reassurance from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani that women won't be shut out of stadiums for much longer.

But no timeframe was provided...

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is looking forward to facing "the best player in the world" this summer when his team take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at the World Cup in Russia.

The Asian country qualified for their fifth World Cup and were drawn with Portugal, the team Queiroz coached at the 2010 World Cup, as well as Spain and Morocco in Group B.

Iran will face Portugal in their final group game on June 25 and Queiroz, who is Portuguese, is excited.

"As a Portuguese coach, I think that playing...

Carlos Queiroz has told football authorities in Iran to remove him from his role as the nation's head coach if they do not cede to his demands for more support for his team's Russia 2018 preparations.

The demand came after the Iranians were drawn in Group B for next June's World Cup finals when they will meet Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

Iran are one of a record five Asian nations to have made the World Cup, along with Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Queiroz has qualified Team Melli...

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz will take on his home nation Portugal, 2010 champions Spain and Morocco as Asia's five qualifiers for next year's World Cup finals in Russia were handed a series of demanding draws.

Former Manchester United assistant boss Queiroz coached Portugal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in his second stint in charge of the national team.

Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia also learned their fate in Moscow on Friday evening as the continent's record representation...

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has a lot of admiration for the three countries his team will face in the group stages of the World Cup.

The 2010 World Cup winners, Spain have been placed in Group B with European defending champions Portugal, Morocco and Iran in Friday's draw in Moscow.

Spain qualified for next year's tournament after finishing top of their group, five points clear of Italy. Lopetegui's side won nine of their 10 games and went unbeaten in qualifying.

"Without a doubt, we have a hard,...