Iraq Rejects Jerusalem for World Cup Qualifier Against Palestine

Iraq has dismissed the proposal to play their World Cup qualifier against Palestine in Jerusalem, opting instead for a different venue. This decision highlights ongoing tensions in international football stemming from political issues. The Palestinian Football Association expressed disappointment at Iraq’s unilateral rejection of the proposal, emphasizing their dedication to hosting matches in their homeland.

Iraq has refused a proposal for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Palestine to be held in Jerusalem, preferring an alternative venue. The last international soccer match played in the Palestinian territories was in October 2019, and Palestine has since hosted matches at neutral locations such as Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia. The match is scheduled for March 25 as part of the Asian qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup.

Following the proposal for the match to take place at Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, Iraq’s decision has attracted significant scrutiny. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has expressed concerns that playing in Amman, as suggested by FIFA, violates regulations regarding neutral sites. They insisted that competition integrity is at stake, given the proximity of standings in Group B.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) commented on Iraq’s decision, expressing disappointment that the IFA declined to play in Palestine without consulting them. The PFA noted that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had approved the stadium for the match. They emphasized their continued commitment to hosting matches in their homeland, underscoring their efforts to secure this right.

In response, the IFA cited the lack of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the Jerusalem stadium as a reason for their refusal. Despite stating their interest in playing in Palestine, they deemed it necessary to reject the proposal. Currently, Palestine is at the bottom of Group B while Iraq remains competitive for qualification, with only two points separating them from Jordan, who stands third.

In summary, Iraq’s decision to reject the use of Jerusalem as a venue for their World Cup qualifier against Palestine raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of the competition. The PFA’s expression of disappointment highlights the ongoing struggle for Palestine to host matches on their own soil. The situation underscores the complexities of international football amidst political tensions, as both nations vie for progression in Group B of the Asian qualifiers.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com