Iran await FIFA approval to replace Zare

NUREMBERG, June 11 (Reuters) Iran are waiting for FIFA to approve their request to replace injured defender Sattar Zare with Hadi Shakoury, a team official said today.

''We have filed all documents to FIFA's medical commission...

If they accept then we will replace Zare,'' the official said.

Coach Branko Ivankovic said Zare was likely to miss the whole tournament after suffering damaged right knee ligaments at a training session three days ago.

Teams can call up replacements for injured players if they make a request at least 24 hours before their opening game, according to the world governing body's regulations.

Zare had been expected to start their opening game against Mexico today before the injury.

Midfielder Ferydoon Zandi has already been ruled out of the Group D match after suffering muscle problems and a fever.

Iran briefly trained outside their Nuremberg hotel today hours before the Group D opener with Mexico.

Iran had announced they would train at the Frankenstadion, against FIFA regulations that do not allow training in the match stadium on the day of the game, but instead they decided to hold a light session outside their hotel.

''They did train a little later than expected at a grass patch next to the hotel. They did 30 minutes of light running,'' said a team official.

After facing Mexico, Iran will play Angola and Portugal in their other Group D matches.

REUTERS PDS KP1815