Iraq Declines to Play World Cup Qualifier Against Palestine in Jerusalem
The Iraqi Football Association has declined to play against Palestine in a World Cup qualifier scheduled for March 25, citing the lack of VAR technology at the proposed venue. The match may be moved to Amman following FIFA’s suggestion, but Iraq’s refusal raises concerns over competitive fairness. Palestine remains committed to hosting matches on home soil despite the setback, currently holding the last position in Group B of the qualifiers.
The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has declined to participate in an upcoming World Cup qualifier against Palestine, which was scheduled for March 25, citing the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem. The match was proposed to be hosted in the Palestinian territories, but this plan was rejected by Iraq. FIFA subsequently suggested Amman as a neutral venue for the fixture, a decision that the IFA believes contravenes FIFA regulations regarding neutral location matches.
In their official statement, the IFA expressed concern regarding the fairness and integrity of the competition, emphasizing their close standings with Jordan in Group B. With Iraq positioned second in the group, just ahead of Jordan, all matches bear significant weight as the top two teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals in North America. Iraq leads Jordan by only two points, with South Korea at the top by three points.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment at Iraq’s decision to forgo hosting the match in their home territory, as both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had previously approved the stadium for the event, contingent upon Iraq’s consent. The PFA highlighted their ongoing efforts and commitment to securing their right to host matches in Palestine, asserting that they were surprised by the unilateral decision taken by Iraq without prior consultation.
The IFA concluded their statement expressing a desire to support Palestinian sports while still standing firm on their decision against playing in Palestine due to the venue’s technological limitations. As of now, Palestine finds itself at the bottom of Group B with only three points from six matches, while Iraq has previously had one World Cup appearance in 1986, when they did not secure any wins.
In summary, the conflict over the upcoming World Cup qualifier between Iraq and Palestine highlights the complexities surrounding international sports amidst geopolitical issues. Iraq’s refusal to play in Palestine due to venue conditions and the absence of VAR technology calls into question FIFA’s governance in ensuring fair competition at crucial moments. The PFA’s commitment to reclaiming their home ground ultimately emphasizes the ongoing struggle for recognition and legitimacy in a contentious environment.
Original Source: www.flashscore.com
