KUALA LUMPUR, July 17: Asian football's governing body on Monday refused to recognise the sport's new authorities in Iran where a government ministry has taken over after the country's World Cup flop.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) criticised “political interference” after Iran's federation was replaced by the Ministry of Physical Education.

“AFC does not encourage government interference into the affairs of member associations,” it said in a statement.

“With respect to the latter case involving IR (Islamic Republic) Iran Football Federation, whereby the Ministry of Physical Education has replaced the administration of the national association, it was decided that AFC will not recognise the new administration at the present time.”

FIFA has also written to Iran's football authorities to ask for an explanation after federation president Mohammad Dadkan was dismissed following complaints from lawmakers.

Both FIFA and the AFC are keen to make sure affiliate federations are run independently of domestic politics.

Meanwhile, Iran named Amir Qalehnoie as the country's new football coach on Monday to succeed Croatian Branko Ivankovic who left following the team's first round exit at the World Cup.Qalehnoie recently took Esteghlal to the Iranian league title.

Ivankovic, who had been in charge since 2002, quit after Iran finished the World Cup in Germany with just one point from three Group D games.

The Iranian press had already called for Ivankovic to go after Iran lost to Mexico and Portugal but although they salvaged some pride with a scrappy draw against the Angolans, it was a bitterly disappointing campaign for what had been considered the best Iranian team for decades.—AFP