By David Gold
May 18 – Iran is bidding to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2013 and 2014, along with Morocco, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The last two tournaments have been held in Abu Dhabi, while Japan is hosting the 2011 and 2012 competitions, but Iran would be a controversial choice due to its poor record on human rights.
And though it is highly unlikely that an Israeli team would qualify for the tournament, Iran’s refusal to compete against the country’s teams or athletes could be problematic if Chelsea, for whom Yossi Benayoun plays, were to win the Champions League and thereby participate in the competition.
Iran has until September 30 to submit official bid documents.
FIFA’s Executive Committee is set to select the host in October for the tournament, which sees the champion of each FIFA continental confederation compete, with the winners of the Copa Libertadores in South America and Europe’s Champions League given a bye to the semi-finals.
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