Iran's Sepahan FC refuses to play Serbia's Partizan FC because of Israeli coach

The Iranian football club Sepahan has refused to participate in a friendly
match with Partisan Belgrade FC due to the fact that the Serbian team
is headed by an Israeli coach, Avraham Grant, RIA Novosti reports with
reference to the Associated Press.

The game was to be held on February 25 in Antalya, Turkey. Grant was
appointed coach of the Serbian team in January 2011.

"I have never mixed sport and politics. I have worked with many Muslims in
England, and I made many friends among them," Grant said, calling the
Iranian's decision "shameful."