FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier: Stephen Constantine miffed after Iran deny India training at Azadi Stadium

The Indian team will have two practice sessions in Tehran before the match.

New Delhi: The Indian football squad which will play Iran in a 2018 World Cup qualifier at the majestic Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Thursday, has been denied the match venue for training purposes which in turn has miffed coach Stephen Constantine.

Constantine lashed out at Iran's football body after failing to get the courtesy they themselves had given when Iran came to India and played in Bengaluru. 

"When Iran came over to Bengaluru, we allowed them to train at the match venue for two days expecting that you would receive the same treatment. When you extend courtesies you would always like to be repaid, no matter what," he said.

The Indian team will have two practice sessions here before the match. 

Constantine also said that he was surprised that the Indian team were being denied to train at the match venue for two days.

"But to our surprise we are being denied to train at the match venue for two days. It was understandable that we would also be training at the match venue for two days simply because we had allowed the Iranian national team to train at the venue for two days."

The Indian contingent arrived late on Monday night and the national coach said that the other factors have been smooth.

"We were received well at the airport and the transfer to the team hotel was smooth. My assistant coach (Lee Johnson) came here in advance and sorted everything out. The hotel is a decent one and we look forward to our sessions and the match," said Constantine.

The Indian team landed at the Imam Khomeini International Airport in the Iranian capital on Monday.

As Iran celebrate their New Year, the weather is cold and the sky is gloomy. 

India will have a tough time in Iran's conditions and how they shape up for the game will be interesting to watch. 

(With IANS inputs)