Team Melli training at Iran Football National Team Camp in Tehran. Photo courtesy Isna.

MARBELLA: A training camp held by Iran’s national team in Spain has been thrown into disarray following the cancellation of all three of their planned friendlies.

Two of the matches, against Spanish sides Marbella and Malaga, have been called off for technical reasons on behalf of the Spanish clubs. But English club Charlton Athletic, who were due to face Iran on July 20, have reportedly pulled the plug on their match in the wake of controversial missile tests by the Iranian government last week.

Iran, led by coach Ali Daei, began a 10-day camp on July 10 but have been reduced to twice-daily practice sessions after Charlton, who play in the second tier of English football, sent a letter to the Iranian Football Federation in which they cited the missile test as their reason for cancellation.

The deputy head of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, said: “Our contract (with Charlton) had even been confirmed by the English Football Association. We had gone through all the proper administrative channels and were in the process of negotiating television rights to broadcast the match but Charlton have changed their mind.”

“It is regrettable that they (Charlton) have cited the missile test as their reason because FIFA insists that politics do not mix with football.”

“The Iranian Football Federation is now trying hard to arrange a friendly against another Spanish club.”

Mr. Taj said the IFF would be seeking compensation from Charlton.

“We have sent FIFA a comprehensive letter as well as our contract with Charlton, which has been passed by the English Football Association.”

“The IFF will pursue this case and Charlton Athletic FC must compensate us.”

The turmoil surrounding this camp has echoes of one held in London three years ago. Then, only the first of three matches took place, with Iran losing 3-0 to Queens Park Rangers. Iran’s other intended opposition, Millwall and Portsmouth, both cancelled their games, citing security fears.

After their camp in Spain, Ali Daei’s squad is due to visit the Czech Republic where friendlies against Sparta and Bohemians Prague are still scheduled to go ahead.