Iran’s protest against Iraq and attempt to overturn the result of Friday night’s Asian Cup quarter-final has been rejected.

Iraq beat Iran 7-6 on penalties after the match finished 3-3 at the end of extra time and is scheduled to play South Korea in a semi-final in Sydney on Monday night.

• Iraq in shootout win over Iran

The protest claimed Iraq played an ineligible player, alleging midfielder Alaa Abdul-Zahra should have been suspended after submitting a positive doping test while playing for his Iranian club side.

But after hearing evidence from two Iranian officials, the AFC’s disciplinary committee found the protest to be unfounded.

The Iran team had delayed its scheduled departure from Australia as it awaited the AFC’s ruling.

Iran has the right to file an appeal in accordance with the AFC’s disciplinary code.