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Iran’s religious leaders have asked South Korea fans not to celebrate or make noise during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Tehran as they are worried it will offend Allah.

FIFA has rejected requests for the Group A Asian group qualifier to be moved despite it clashing with the first night of Tasua and Ashura, a major two-day festival on the Shia Islam calendar.

Officials wanted to play the match on Monday, but FIFA ruled that wouldn’t be be too short a turnaround for Korea to recover from Thursday’s match against Qatar.

Clerics have also demanded that Iran forfeit what is expected to be an evenly matched clash, taking a 3-0 defeat.

With the two sides level on points in second and third in their group, it is a key fixture in their bid for a place at Russia 2018.

(Image: Getty)

Adding to the significance is that Iran vs South Korea is one of the more intense rivalries in Asian football.

During Tasua and Ashura, Shia Muslims gather to mourn the death of Imam Hussein along with 72 of his faith in the 680 AD Battle of Karbala in Iraq.

Devotees often use public self-flagellation and the period is especially emotionally charged as it forms a significant gap in the beliefs of the Sunni and Shia Islam.

The Iranian Embassy in Korea has also reportedly asked that Korean fans avoid wearing colourful clothes during the match.

This would be difficult given their team’s change strip is red - the colour worn by Shimr Ibn Thil-Jawshan, who beheaded Imam Hussein.

The request hasn't been officially confirmed by either the South Korean or Iran football bodies.

Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi wrote an open letter saying the game should be forfeited and feared what would happen if Iran scored a goal, sparking celebrations for the home team.

“Some may say that by not playing the game we will pay a price, but it is better to pay a price than have our sanctities harmed,” he said.

(Image: Getty)

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“If the Iranian national team scores a goal, who can guarantee that no one in Iran will jump up for joy?”

Deputy parliamentary speaker Ali Motahari found the suggestion hard to take.

“Imagine that Iran scored against South Korea and some people cheered,” he said.

"Does that mean that the people are cheering the martyrdom of Imam Hussein?

“If someone after years meets his mother, father or child on the eve of Ashura, should he then not be happy to avoid violating the sanctity of the imam?

"The duty of the clergy is to fight against the weak points of the society and the superstitious customs that have chained people’s hands and feet — not to ride with that current.”