TEHRAN – Iran will host the 2018 IFCPF (International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football) Asia-Oceania Championships in late November.

The prestigious competition will be held in the Iran's southern Kish Island, located in the Persian Gulf, from Nov. 22 to 30.

Iran (host), Australia, South Korea, Jordan and Thailand will compete at the eight-day competition.

Iran will meet Thailand on Nov. 24 in the opening match, while Australia face South Korea.

“We invited young players to our team after the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Team Melli have held five training camps so far and are ready to participate at the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships. The competition can be considered as good preparation for the world championship,” Iran coach Ali Boka said.

2018 IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships is an important event for the participants since the champions will automatically qualify for the 2019 IFCPF World Cup – Pinto Madrid, Spain.

Football 7-a-side was introduced to the Paralympics during the 1984 New York Games, originally called Cerebral Palsy football. The sport now includes athletes with other brain injuries and similar conditions.

Football 7-a-side is governed by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) using the modified rules of the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA).