Kuala Lumpur, (IranSportsPress) -- Iran will host this year's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Futsal Championship, the AFC spokesman told Iran`s officials, yesterday.
"The tournament was scheduled to take place on July 27- August 5 in Japan but concerns over Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) forced the Japan Football Association to ask the game's governing body in Asia to find another host," he said.
The spokesman also indicated that AFC sent its representive, Zulkifli Sulong to Tehran last week to discuss and negotiate with Iranian officials regarding furthure tournament preparations and venue of the games.
Talking to Irna, he also confirmed the date of the tournament to be schedualed from July 27 to August 5. Iran, the four-time Asian futsal champion, have stepped in to host Asian Futsal Championships. In this regard, Velappan has said: "We are very pleased that Iran has stepped in to host this premier Asian futsal event and we are confident that they will do an excellent job with only one month to go to complete their preparations."
This year's tournament, hosts the biggest number of entries yet as much as 18 teams.
Tournament precedure is in a way that teams will be split into four groups, with the top two teams progressing to the knock-out quarter-finals. Iran, with having a home advantage,have been drawn against China, Kyrgzstan and debutante Lebanon in Group C. | 
Chinese officials deserve Iran snub - soccer
Shojaei and Teymourian back to Iran football
Teymourian on verge of joining Esteghlal
Esteghlal held off by Naft in IPL (Video)
Teymourian gives up hope of Blackburn Rovers
REPORT: Olympiakos make move for Nekounam
USA crush Iran at basketball championships
Iran Counting Down Game Against USA
ISP Exclusive Interview with Shervin
ISP Exclusive Interview with Alexander Nouri
Ghotbi officially a lame duck
