TEHRAN - Iran has charged two low-ranking officials over the deaths of seven people in a post-match crush following last month's World Cup qualifier with Japan, Iranian newspapers reported Wednesday.
The head of the stadium and the police commander in charge of security of the stadium, only identified by their last names Azeri and Hadinejad, have both been indicted, the papers said.
They have been freed on bail of 500 million rials (56,000 dollars) and 2,500 million rials (281,000 dollars) respectively, with a verdict on the case expected in a week's time.
The judiciary have put 80 percent of the blame on the police and the rest on the Iran's physical education organization which runs the stadium, the papers reported.
Seven people were crushed to death as fans tried to leave the Azadi stadium on March 25 after Iran beat Japan 2-1. Another spectator died of a heart attack during the match. A further 40 were injured.
The fatal incident happened when a police helicopter blocked the 60 meters wide Azadi stadium main gate. As a result the crowd of several thousands was directed towards the secondary seven meters wide gates, which according to wounded and witnesses were not opened.
Allowing 20,000 more spectators than the capacity 100,000 into the stadium also contributed to the deaths.
Iran is now concerned about sanctions while they are in prime position for a World Cup finals berth in Asia's Group B, after an away win against North Korea, a home win against Japan and a goalless away draw with Bahrain.
"FIFA opened an official investigation" on the stampede, the international football body said on its website. It sent a fax to the Iranian federation "requesting further information on the tragic events," it added.
04/20/2005 11:43 GMT