Fairfax Media can reveal Football Federation Australia are deep in negotiations with theirIranian counterpartsto play a senior international between the two nations for the first timesince the infamous 1997 World Cup qualifier at the MCG.
A deal is yet to be done but it's understood talks haveadvanced as the FFA sought to strengthenits diplomatic ties with Iranian football. Should they be successful in bringing Iran to Australia, afriendly will likely be held in the March international windowin what both federations hope will bea 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 inAustralia, 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 regionAustralia 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.
Should the FFA be successful in luring the three-time Asian champions to Australia, it would provide the FFA with a close-up look ata prime candidate toreplace Ange Postecoglou as Socceroos coach.
Fairfax Media understands Iran coach Carlos Queirozis interested in moving to Australia to take charge of the national team after the 2018 World Cup,following confirmation that Postecoglouwill not renew his contract and will pursue coaching opportunities abroad.
FFA would not comment on their efforts to identify a successor to Postecoglou, butsources suggestthe former Real Madrid coach and Manchester United assistant would be astrong candidate.
Queirozis set be a free agent as of July next yearwith sources suggesting he will likely leave Iran after the 2018 World Cup campaign. Queiroz'sseven-year tenure with Team Melli has been successful on the field yet frustrating off it, with allegations of infighting, political disputes, poor planning and funding issues having taken their toll on the 64-year-old. Queirozhas resigned from his post on numerous occasions, only to be convinced to return each time.
Despite his issues with the Iranian federation, the Portuguese coach has been a revelation with Iran, taking the teamfrom66th to 30th in the world rankings, ahead of the likes of the Netherlands andSweden, to become the top-ranked nation in Asia. Under his guidance, Iran became the first nation from the AFCto qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and just the second in the world alongside Brazil,having gone eight games without conceding a goal in the final round of qualifiers.
Queiroz led South Africa and Portugal to World Cup appearances in 2002 and 2010 respectively and was the long-term assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Hespent one season as the head coach of Real Madrid.
