Iraq's coach asks FIFA to postpone World Cup playoff: crucial reason
The coach of the Iraqi national football team, former Australian footballer Graham Arnold, requested FIFA's support for his federation on Monday in light of the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, a situation that could affect the team's plans in their attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
TL;DR
- Iraq's coach Graham Arnold has asked FIFA for support due to the conflict between Iran and the US.
- The conflict could affect the team's plans to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
- Iraq is scheduled to play a playoff match on March 31st in Monterrey, Mexico.
- Arnold requested FIFA consider an alternative plan due to uncertainty and potential travel issues.
- He stated that a team formed solely of players outside of Iraq would not be the best possible squad.
- The closure of Iraqi airspace since February 28th complicates travel for players and staff.
- Arnold proposed delaying the match to allow for adequate preparation, suggesting a scenario where Bolivia plays Suriname this month and Iraq faces the winner a week before the World Cup in the US.
- A rescheduled match would also give FIFA more time to determine Iran's status.
- If Iran withdraws, Iraq would qualify directly for the World Cup, allowing UAE, whom they beat in qualification, to prepare to face Bolivia or Suriname.