TEHRAN - Iranian First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri said on Saturday that the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA) should prevent politicization of football.

“FIFA will play its constructive role in solidarity between the nations through avoiding politicization of football,” Jahangiri said during a meeting with President of the Asian Football Confederation Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa in Tehran.

Jahangiri noted that sports has always played an important role promoting peace and friendship between countries.

The vice president added Iran has always supported various kinds of sports.

“Political division among countries is natural which either deepens or leads to peace and friendship. We expect the Asian Football Confederation not to let political issues affect football and make more efforts for further solidarity among the Asian countries,” he insisted.

For his part, Sheikh Salman said the Asian Football Confederation is a “united” organization and there is “good solidarity” among its member states, because football should bring the countries close to each other.

Sheikh Salman visited Iran to attend the second leg of the 2018 AFC Champions League between Persepolis of Iran and Japan’s Kashima Antlers.

NA/PA