November 16, 2003	Sunday	Ramazan 20, 1424

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TEHRAN, Nov 15: Iran face being banned from staging international football matches after a homemade explosive was thrown onto the pitch during a 2004 Asian Cup qualifier this week, an official warned Saturday.

Wednesday’s return leg between Iran and North Korea in Tehran had to be stopped in the 60th minute after a firecracker landed near North Korean player So Hyok Chol.

The Koreans refused to continue playing and left the field following the incident which came after Iran had taken the lead with a 56th minute penalty.

“Iran may be deprived from hosting international matches, may be fined for not searching the spectators before the match and controlling the people and might also receive some warnings,” Iran representative Mohammad Mehdi Khabiri told the Asian Football Federation, media reports said.

A ruling on the game is expected early next month.

“We have to wait until December 7 when a meeting will discuss the game,” Khabiri said, adding that the North Koreans could face sanctions too.

“Conditions for the North Koreans are tougher, since they left the field without the referee’s and the AFC representative’s consent.”

Iran beat North Korea 3-1 in the first leg in Pyongyang on October 27.

Iran, North Korea, Jordan and Lebanon are grouped together in the 2004 Asian Cup qualifier.