Iraq Declines World Cup Qualifier Match Against Palestine in Jerusalem or Jordan

Iraq declined to play Palestine’s World Cup qualifier in Jerusalem or Jordan due to concerns over venue neutrality and lack of VAR technology. The match is scheduled for March 25, with Iraq holding a competitive position in Group B. The Palestine Football Association expressed disappointment over Iraq’s unilateral decision and emphasized its continued commitment to host matches on Palestinian territory.

Iraq has formally declined to play its World Cup qualifier against Palestine in both Jerusalem and Jordan. The match, scheduled for March 25, must be relocated from the proposed venue in Amman, which Iraq argues contradicts FIFA’s regulations on neutral venues. This rejection follows a prior Palestinian initiative to hold the game outside Jerusalem, reflecting ongoing challenges in organizing matches in the region.

Palestine has not hosted an international soccer match since October 2019, with recent “home” games conducted at neutral locations in Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) expressed concerns that playing in Amman impacts the competition’s fairness, citing the close standings between Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine within Group B of the World Cup qualifiers.

As of now, Iraq is positioned second in Group B with 11 points, just two points ahead of Jordan and trailing South Korea by three points. The top two teams from this group will secure spots in the upcoming World Cup finals in North America.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed regret over Iraq’s decision, indicating surprise that the IFA communicated directly with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to decline the match without prior discussions. The PFA reiterated its commitment to hosting games on Palestinian soil, a right it has long advocated for and fought to achieve.

The IFA pointed out that while they are eager to support Palestinian sports, the absence of VAR technology at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium was a decisive factor in their refusal to play there. Both FIFA and the AFC had previously inspected the venue, deeming it acceptable subject to Iraqi approval.

In conclusion, Iraq’s refusal to participate in the World Cup qualifier at the proposed venues underscores the complexities surrounding sports arrangements in politically sensitive areas. The IFA’s concerns about fairness and technology compatibility highlight the ongoing challenges faced in international soccer, while Palestine’s aspiration to host matches reflects a broader struggle for recognition and rights within the context of their sporting endeavors.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com