Iraq suspended by FIFA

God

Super Moderator

Fifa has suspended Iraq from international competition for a year after the Iraqi government disbanded their national football association.

A decree on 20 May saw Iraq's National Olympic Committee and all its national sport federations dissolved.

Fifa says the suspension will be lifted if the decree is overturned by the Iraqi government by midnight on 29 May.

Iraq, the Asian champions, are due to play Australia in a World Cup qualifier in Brisbane on 1 June.

Fifa president Sep Blatter hopes the ban will lead the Iraqi government to change their mind in time for Iraq to continue their qualification campaign.

Blatter told The Australian newspaper: "Iraq are the Asian champions and brought so much hope and joy to their country when they won the final in Malaysia last year.

"I am confident there is enough pressure on the government to help them change their mind."

But the president of Iraq's dissolved football association, Hussein Saeed will arrive in Sydney on Wednesday, hoping to persuade Fifa to reverse their decision.

Australia are also scheduled to play Iraq in Dubai on 7 June.
The Socceroos are top of Group One of the Asia qualifying section with four points from two games. Iraq are bottom with one point from two games.

kertonl

Tbh i didnt even know they had a football team...

God

Super Moderator

Most countries do but some are just abysmal. I think Fifa has over 200 official alone.