Iran warned new law is putting Asian Cup place at risk

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Iran has been told it could face suspension from the Asian Cup in January over a law interfering in the national soccer federation's independence.

The Asian Football Confederation says it is "closely monitoring the current issues" with its top-ranked team, and will not tolerate "third-party interference in their member associations."

The Malaysia-based AFC says Iran's parliament announced a law "designating the (soccer federation) as a non-government public body and prohibiting the engagement of retired personnel."

The AFC says it hopes Iran's soccer body "can maintain its independence and avoid any sanctions" less than two months before the Asian Cup starts in the United Arab Emirates.

Iran, the best Asian team at No. 30 in FIFA's rankings, plays its opening game Jan. 7 against Yemen in Abu Dhabi. The group includes Iraq and Vietnam.