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New Zealand Soccer is monitoring the situation in the Middle East ahead of the national team's match in Iran on April 4. "We are in constant contact with the New Zealand Government and their ambassador to Iran," New Zealand Soccer (NZS) chief executive Bill MacGowan said yesterday. "If we felt there was any danger to our players we certainly would not go. "The Iranians accept our position and have already agreed that if the situation worsens, the return fixture will be played elsewhere, possibly in Singapore. "The home game at North Harbour Stadium on March 28 will not be affected." All Whites coach Mick Waitt and NZS operations manager Alex Hayton will visit Iran on their way home after attending the Confederations Cup draw in Paris on February 12. "After the draw they will know where the All Whites will play their pool games and will inspect hotels and training facilities," MacGowan said. "They are then likely to go to Scotland to check facilities in Edinburgh. "The All Whites' game against Scotland has been confirmed for Hearts' Tynecastle Stadium ground on May 27. It is now likely the team will assemble in Scotland on May 23." Waitt was hoping for four warm-up games before the Confederations Cup, including two against Wales and Croatia. There will also be a match in France against either France or the United States, depending on the Confederations Cup draw. New Zealand's first cup game will be played on June 18 or 19. |
