Iran prepare for Women's Asian Cup as bombs drop on homeland

GOLD COAST, MAR 1: Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.

Iran's 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic republic.

They are due to open their tournament on Monday against South Korea.

The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement it "continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period".

"The AFC's foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans," it added.
"In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women's national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance."

Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari held a pre-match press conference on Sunday but stuck to football, saying the tournament was a chance to show "the potential of Iranian women".    �"AFP