Iraq Declines to Host World Cup Qualifier Matches Against Palestine

Iraq has declined to play their World Cup qualifier against Palestine in Jerusalem or Jordan, complicating the match arrangement. FIFA suggested Amman as a neutral venue after a proposal for Jerusalem was rejected. The Iraqi Football Association raised concerns about fairness in the competition, emphasizing the group’s close standings. Meanwhile, Palestine expressed disappointment over Iraq’s unilateral decision not to play in Palestinian territories, despite previous agreements regarding the stadium’s suitability for hosting.

Iraq has declined to play their upcoming World Cup qualifier match against Palestine in either Jerusalem or Jordan, complicating the situation for Palestinian football. The last international match played in Palestinian territories occurred in October 2019, leading the Palestine national team to host their “home” games at neutral locations such as Qatar and Jordan. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has expressed concerns regarding the integrity of the competition, considering the proximity in the standings within Group B, where Iraq currently holds second place.

The match was initially set for March 25, but after a proposal to hold it in the Palestinian territories was rejected, FIFA suggested Amman as a neutral venue. The Iraqi Football Association stated that playing the match in Amman would conflict with FIFA’s policy on neutral venues. The IFA’s statement emphasized the competitive implications of this arrangement, given the closeness of the standings, with Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine all vying for a top position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In response, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment over Iraq’s decision, which was made without consulting them. The PFA noted that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had previously inspected the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium and found it suitable for hosting the match, contingent upon Iraq’s agreement. They stated, “We were surprised to learn that our colleagues in the Iraqi Football Association had unilaterally decided to decline playing in Palestine and directly communicated this to the AFC and FIFA without consulting the PFA.”

While the IFA professed a desire to support Palestinian sports, they cited the absence of VAR technology at the stadium as a reason for their refusal. Currently, Palestine sits at the bottom of Group B with three points, while Iraq is in second place, embarked on a challenging quest for World Cup qualification.

The refusal of Iraq to compete in Palestine underscores significant issues surrounding international sporting events in politically sensitive regions. The implications for the standings in Group B could impact World Cup qualification for all teams involved. Both associations are navigating the complexities of sportsmanship and governance in a highly competitive environment amid political tensions. The broader ramifications of this decision highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian football. Ultimately, the rejection of the proposed match location raises significant questions about fairness and cooperation in international sports, particularly as Iraq, Palestine, and Jordan all strive for a chance at qualifying for the World Cup. As the situation unfolds, it is evident that a resolution which honors the rights and aspirations of all nations involved remains crucial.

Original Source: www.flashscore.com