Iran and Romania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as both countries plan increased cooperation between them. The nations signed the MoU at the headquarters of the Iran Football Federation in Tehran.

The head of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj and the head of Romanian Football Razvan Burleanu were present during the landmark agreement. During the signing, Taj said: “Iran and Romania football have so many common characteristics, and the European country is available to travel for our teams. To develop football in the various areas focusing on the area of girls and women’s football development, coaching and referring are our priorities”.

While Romania could be helping them with their goals, Iran would help the European side in beach soccer and futsal – competitions that Iran have won medals in recently.

“I would like to congratulate the Iranian football federation for being the best Asian team in FIFA rankings. Furthermore, Team Melli has a great chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. We are happy due to cooperation with Iran as a European country.

“We like to arrange friendly matches with Iran football team. Football is a popular sport both in Iran and Romania and I hope that the two countries advance to the 2018 World Cup,” the head of Romanian football said.

The MoU presents unique plus to Iranian football and continues the relations between both sides. The country won the second edition of the World Artists 7-Man football game in the Persian Gulf Island Qeshm after they defeated Romania. The Asian side got the only goal that separated both sides after Mehdi Salehpour scpred in the 15th minute.

Teams from Sweden, Turkey, Germany, Brazil, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Poland also participated in the tournament. Tehran hosted the last edition – which was the first – in which Romania won.