Iran again believes its statutes dispute with FIFA is close to being solved ©Getty Images

Iran believes that only minor changes need to be made to its football statutes in order for them to finally be approved by FIFA.

Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has been involved in a long process with the world governing body, which has alleged Government interference.

FIFA demanded changes to the FFIRI statutes more than a year ago and rejected amended documents submitted in May.

Optimism has been expressed since then but hopes that the situation would be resolved in September have failed to materialise. 

Among chief concerns for FIFA was the involvement of Iranian Sports Minister Masoud Soltanifar.

The world body had previously threatened Iran with suspension if its statutes were not brought in line with FIFA requirements.

Presidential elections at the FFIRI are planned to be held this month.

"The world governing body of football, FIFA, announced its views on the latest amended version of the statutes of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the FFIRI said on its website.

"Accordingly, FIFA, while accepting the generalities and the majority of the articles mentioned in the draft statutes of the Iranian football federation, has referred minor cases to be addressed and amended regarding the electoral regulations. 

FIFA warned Iran for interference during a dispute with former coach Marc Wilmots ©Getty Images
FIFA warned Iran for interference during a dispute with former coach Marc Wilmots ©Getty Images

"The Iranian football federation appreciates FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for their response and will observe the requirements in due time."

In September, FIFA warned Iran after judicial interference in a case involving the country's former coach Marc Wilmots.

The Belgian filed a complaint with FIFA after quitting the position, claiming the FFIRI had committed "serious contractual violations".

FIFA ordered the FFIRI to pay Wilmots, who signed a three-year contract in May 2019 but left after six games in charge, a total of €6.2 million (£5.5 million/$7.3 million) as compensation for breach of contract.

Following the announcement from FIFA, the State Inspectorate Organisation of Iran reportedly referred eight members of the FFIRI Board of Directors – including former President Mehdi Taj – to the Tehran Prosecutor's Office.

This move prompted FIFA and the AFC to write a letter to the FFIRI to warn about interference.

Iran has also faced criticism over its policy of banning women from entering stadiums.

The country is one of five in the race for the 2027 AFC Cup, alongside Qatar, India, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.