Soccer: No special insurance arrangements for Irish team

The FAI will make no special insurance arrangements for the national team's trip to Iran.

Mick McCarthy's side travel to the Middle East for the return leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off on November 15.

They are confident of their security despite ongoing US air strikes in Afghanistan, which borders Iran.

FAI spokesman Brendan McKenna said: "We will treat this just like any away match and the insurance will reflect that.

"It will be normal service as ever, on the normal terms."

McKenna declined to name the company who will insure the travelling party but insisted there would be no increase in insurance premiums.

He also confirmed that national airline Aer Lingus would be flying the team out to the Middle East as usual.

A crowd of around 100,000 is expected in Tehran in a fortnight's time, but McCarthy feels his squad will be treated hospitably by the Iranians.