Iraq Seeks Venue Change for Palestine World Cup Qualifier

Iraq has requested a relocation for their World Cup qualifier with Palestine, turning down proposals to play in Jerusalem. FIFA designated Amman as a neutral venue, raising concerns about fairness regarding competition in Group B. The Palestine Football Association expressed disappointment over Iraq’s rejection, emphasizing their commitment to hosting matches in Palestine despite the challenges.

Iraq has requested that their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Palestine be relocated from Amman, Jordan. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) also rejected a Palestinian suggestion to conduct the match near Jerusalem. Palestine has not hosted an international soccer match in its territories since October 2019, and has instead played home fixtures at neutral locations such as Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia.

The match, scheduled for March 25, will be part of the Asian qualifying tournament’s third round. FIFA initially proposed Amman as the neutral venue after Palestine’s request to host the match in their territory was denied. However, the IFA has raised concerns over this decision, stating it contradicts FIFA’s regulations regarding neutral venues.

In a public statement, the IFA expressed that holding the match in Amman could compromise the integrity of the tournament, as Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine are competing closely within Group B. Iraq currently holds second place with 11 points, just ahead of Jordan, while trailing behind South Korea by three.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed regret over Iraq’s refusal to play the match at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem, stating that both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had previously inspected the venue and approved its use for the match. The PFA criticized the IFA’s decision as unilateral and lacking consultation.

The IFA explained their refusal was influenced by the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the proposed stadium. Despite their desire to play in Palestine to support local sports, they prioritized compliance with regulatory standards. As of now, Palestine is at the bottom of Group B, with three points after six matches, while neither Palestine nor Jordan has qualified for a World Cup finals.

In conclusion, Iraq’s request to move the World Cup qualifying match against Palestine from Amman underscores the ongoing complexities within the regional football dynamics. The IFA’s concerns about tournament integrity and compliance with FIFA regulations reflect a commitment to fair play. Meanwhile, the PFA’s aspirations to host matches in Palestine highlight the ongoing struggle for recognition and opportunity within international football.

Original Source: www.espn.com