FIFA formally lifts ban on Iran soccer team

FIFA officially lifted Iran's ban from international competition on Wednesday. The governing body of world soccer said it has held "a series of cooperative negotiations" with Iranian authorities to ensure that the sport is free from political interference. FIFA said the sides agreed to create a provisional board within the Iranian soccer federation that would draft and pass new statutes for the body and hold leadership elections. Iran was suspended from international competition in November after FIFA accused the government of interfering in the federation's affairs. The suspension was temporarily lifted by FIFA last month, allowing the team to defend its Asian Games title.