Five killed in soccer stampede in Iran

At least five people were crushed to death and 40 others injured after a World Cup qualifying match in Tehran, state-run television reported today.

Thousands of spectators rushed to the exits of the Tehran Azadi stadium on Friday night, after Iran beat Japan 2-1 in a Group B qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup finals.

More than 100,000 spectators packed the stadium, and all rushed for the exits at the end of the match, causing the stampede, local doctors told the broadcast.

There was no reason given for the rush for the doors.

At least five of the injured were in a critical condition, meaning the death toll could rise, the report said.

Police, judicial and football federation authorities were investigating the incident, the report said.

Soccer-mad Iran, which made its World Cup debut in Argentina in 1978 and played in France in 1998, is eagerly seeking its third appearance.

Its Friday night win puts Iran in first place in Group B, tied with Bahrain on four points. Japan is third with three points. Earlier Friday, Bahrain beat North Korea 2-1.