Iran's May 27 friendly with Iraq in Istanbul has been cancelled according to local reports.
The Tehran Times has reported the match, which was intended as preparation for both side's opening fourth round 2014 World Cup qualifiers in early June, was called off with Iraq boss Zico unhappy with the choice of venue.
Iran has recently hastily arranged friendlies against African teams Mauritania and Mozambique, however the Iraq game was seen as a key match-up against a strong opponent ahead of their opening qualifier against Uzbekistan on June 3.
Team Melli are set to fly into Turkey on May 21 for a training camp, with the Iraq game originally planned to be part of the itinerary.
Iran's Football Federation are understood to be intensively searching for a new opponent for the date, ideally in Turkey.
Team Melli, who haven't qualified for the World Cup since 2006, recently had an April friendly with UAE cancelled due to political reasons.
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