Soccer supporters travelling to Tehran for the World Cup play-off against Iran on November 15th were last night warned to rigorously observe Islamic customs - including a strict ban on alcohol - or risk being thrown in jail.
Fans carrying alcohol or found drunk in public were likely to be arrested, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. Iveagh House urged supporters visiting the Iranian capital not to take part in public celebrations which have seen violent clashes between domestic football supporters and police over recent months.
The warning came as the Football Association of Ireland confirmed that Iran would be taking up its full ticket allocation for the Dublin leg of the two- match play-off on November 10th. The FAI will not receive a final count from the Iranian soccer authorities until next week.
Urging Irish fans to "take account of the particular nature of Iranian society, and especially the laws enforcing Islamic norms of behaviour", the Department said women would be expected to wear a scarf covering hair and neck, a loose coat cut to below the knees, and full-length trousers or a skirt cut to the ankles, whenever they appeared in public, in accordance with stringent Islamic dress codes.
Men are forbidden to wear short trousers or sleeveless shirts.
It remains unclear whether women will be allowed to attend the match in Tehran's 100,000- capacity Azadi Stadium. They are usually banned from games where the participants are male. Segregated seats are occasionally provided, but Iranian officials have not yet decided if they will do this for the Irish game.
Iran's strict prohibition on alcohol will prove especially traumatic for Ireland's famously hard-partying travelling fan base. Visitors can expect to be searched on arrival at Tehran Airport.
"Travellers carrying alcohol are likely to be arrested. Any person appearing to be under the influence of alcohol in a public place is liable to arrest," the Department said last night.
Foreign Affairs officials emphasised, however, that Iran was generally a safe, peaceful country with low crime rates.
"Irish citizens travelling to Tehran need not take any special measures. Visitors can expect a friendly and courteous welcome from Iranians. Crime rates are low and traffic accidents are probably the single greatest risk factor for foreign visitors," the Department said
Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that the Irish squad has abandoned plans to base itself in Dubai ahead of the match. The team will instead fly directly to Tehran several days before the game.