Iran sacks soccer chief over early exit

TEHRAN, June 21 (Reuters) Iran's governmental Physical Education Organisation today sacked the head of the football federation and apologised to the nation after Iran's World Cup campaign ended once again at the first round.

Iran also went out of the World Cup at the group stage in Argentina in 1978 and France in 1998.

This year Iran lost 3-1 to Mexico and to 2-0 to Portugal.

They failed to salvage a consolation win today, drawing 1-1 with Angola.

The official IRNA news agency carried a statement in response from the Physical Education Organisation, drafted after a meeting of the body's council.

''By unanimous vote, they sacked Mr. Mohammad Dadkan,'' the statement read.

''The Physical Education Organisation apologises to the Iranian nation for its wounded pride,'' it added.

The statement said a replacement for Dadkan would be chosen on Saturday.

REUTERS VJ BST0032