MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has issued a clarification regarding what was circulated on social media about national coach Branko Ivankovic’s refusal to play against Iran in a friendly match in Qatar.

In a statement issued, OFA said the officials prepared a detailed program for the external camp in advance including playing two friendly games against Nepal and New Zealand and set the date of their contest in advance. According to OFA, the Iran Football Association submitted a letter of invite to play against Oman on June 4. “They submitted the letter on June 4, which is considered an inappropriate time, especially since the national team played a friendly against Nepal on June 3, and the team will play against New Zealand in six days, which makes it difficult to play three matches in seven days, and is also exhausting for the players on a physical level,” OFA said.

“Iran team as we all know is great and respected. They enjoy great popularity in the region and we know that our team will get maximum benefit playing against them but the Iranian request came at an inappropriate time,” OFA added.