April 5 Express, Iran and other countries, according to Sports Weekly reporter Madsin
soccer ball
The association appealed to FIFA with the strong expectation that the home-and-away system would be reintroduced for the remaining matches of the 40-team tournament.
The AFC had previously confirmed that the club system would be used for the remaining matches of the 40-team tournament and released the detailed fixtures earlier this month. However, reports in the Uzbek media indicate that several teams, including Iran, Vietnam and Thailand, have appealed to FIFA, citing an "unfair" allocation of home venues, and wanting FIFA to reinstate the home-and-away system.
The controversy surrounding the hosting of the groups has not subsided since the announcement of the venues in March. Among them, Iran's protests have been particularly strong. Originally, three of Iran's four remaining matches were to be played at home, but the AFC chose Bahrain, which Iran had previously encountered on the road. This decision triggered strong dissatisfaction from the Iranian Football Federation, the Olympic Organizing Committee and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In addition, Jordan in Group 2 also expressed dissatisfaction with the tournament's placement in Kuwait, while the UAE in Group 7 was awarded the hosting rights, which has led to the likes of Vietnam and Thailand, who have hopes of qualifying, questioning the AFC's choices, especially Thailand, who have two of their three remaining matches at home.
According to reports in the Uzbek media, FIFA is studying the teams' demands. If the dispute cannot be resolved, FIFA may revert to the home-and-away system, but the matchday arrangements will be readjusted. Madsen said that the final result will have to wait for official news.
