All Whites' warm-up against Iran off

NZ - New Zealand, the Oceania champions, had planned home and away matches against Asian champions Iran, but these have now been postponed, Soccer New Zealand chief executive Bill McGowan said in a statement today.

Mick Waitt's All Whites were due to host Iran at North Harbour Stadium on March 28th but Iran confirmed overnight they would not travel to New Zealand given the uncertainty over the return leg in Teheran a week later.

"After taking advice from FIFA that travel to the Middle East was to be avoided, New Zealand Soccer tabled a number of options to Iran," McGowan said.

This included playing both matches in New Zealand or the return leg in a neutral venue.

"Both were declined in favour of postponing the series. FIFA are clearly concerned about the increasing uncertainty in the region and last week announced the postponement of the world U-20 championship in United Arab Emirates."

MacGowan said the news was hugely disappointing but not entirely unexpected.

"This was to be the first step on the way to France in June with a full-strength side set to play in front of a home crowd against quality opposition.

"We were hopeful of a minimum level disruption to the home leg but clearly the Iraqi crisis and likelihood of war made Teheran unlikely.

"On information received from FIFA and government officials we made a decision not to travel to Iran for the return leg.

"Our immediate focus is to ensure Mick Waitt and the team have a build-up to do them justice in France."