The Zambian FA had secured an international friendly in September against the Asian heavyweights but the match has since been called off owing to the COSAFA champions’ man at the helm.
Iran have backed out of their proposed international friendly against Zambia that was scheduled to be played this September in Tehran following a request by the Asian nation’s FA to cancel the match.
FAZ had successfully secured an international friendly for the Chipolopolo against the Asians ranked 22nd in the world but the match has now been cancelled after the Iranian FA withdrew from the match because of the Zambia gaffer Avram Grant who hails from Israel.
The Iranian FA had initially agreed to host the Chipolopolo this month in Tehran only to back out at the last minute after learning that Zambia was handled by an Israeli.
Iran have since apologized to FAZ but insisted that the match would not be held as their nation has no relations, either political or sports, with Israel where the Grant hails from.
The Asians further expressed willingness to face and host the Chipolopolo in the near future.
There has been a long-standing history of political conflict between Iran and Israel that dates back to as far as 1979 following the Iranian Revolution.
However, it is said that despite the conflict between his nation and Iran, Grant had been willing to travel with the Chipolopolo to Tehran as he looks to prepare his side for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers that begin November.
FAZ are now said to be sweating a new opponent to face the Chipolopolo in the upcoming international window after taking on Comoros in the dead-rubber Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to be played on 9th September in Moroni.
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