Football Federation Australia (FFA) are deep in negotiations with their Iranian counterparts to play a international between the two nations for the first time since the infamous 1997 World Cup qualifier at the MCG, Fairfax Media revealed.

The friendly will likely be held in the March international window in what both federations hope will be a key part of their preparations for Russia 2018. 

FFA chief executive David Gallop confirmed that negotiations were taking place. 

"We are talking to a number of excellent football nations from Asia and other confederations. Iran is one of them," Gallop said. "The anniversary of that heartbreaking night at the MCG is a point to highlight. Many people, including me, remember it as one of the most devastating moments in Australian sport. It would be great to play a strong team in preparation for Russia but talks are at an early stage."