Few fans expected to travel

Only the most dedicated Irish soccer fans are expected to travel to Iran for this month's World Cup second-leg play-off. The ban on alcohol in Iran, together with the cost of travelling to Tehran and the current political instability in the area, is expected to be a put-off for many.

Nevertheless, by last evening, the Iranian embassy in Dublin said it had already received "a lot" but "not hundreds" of applications for visas from soccer enthusiasts.

A spokeswoman said it normally took up to 10 days to process visa applications and advised intending travellers to submit their applications without delay. A valid passport, three photographs and a cheque for £45 must accompany each completed application form.

She advised men travelling to the game they could not wear shorts and women must cover their hair with a scarf and wear a "loose fitting" coat - nothing which draws attention to the female form.

She suggested such clothing, which is required to respect Iran's Islamic tradition, would be necessary anyway given November weather conditions in Iran, where temperatures will be lower than in Ireland. She said Iranians would have no problem with fans celebrating "in a lively happy way", but they would have to do so without alcohol. "I don't know how happy they will be about that - they will have to drink tea," she suggested.

She explained alcohol was illegal in Iran and it was not advisable for fans to try to take duty free with them. "It's most likely to be confiscated. It's just a question of respecting the customs in the country. It's a religious custom and that is important."

Once fans pay for their travel arrangements, services such as taxis in Iran are reasonably priced by our standards, she added.

Dermot Ryan, manager of Stephen's Green Classic Sports Travel in Dublin, said he didn't envisage large numbers travelling.

He said the fares being quoted - up to £700 from London - weren't attractive for a three-day visit. The journey is also long - seven hours from London - and the ban on alcohol is also a factor "because Irish fans like to enjoy themselves and do not want to be watching themselves".

He also said travel agents were considering flying fans to Dubai for a few days and taking them from there on a one-hour flight to Tehran on the day of the match.

"At least they could enjoy themselves then for a few days and get some value from it," he said. However, he said nobody had been inquiring about flights.