Iraq has declined to play their World Cup qualifier against Palestine in both Jerusalem and Jordan, requesting a relocation due to concerns over FIFA regulations. The Palestinian Football Association expressed disappointment over the decision, reaffirming their commitment to host matches on home grounds. Currently, Iraq is second in Group B, while Palestine is last with only three points.
Iraq has declined to play their World Cup qualifier against Palestine in both Jerusalem and Jordan. Instead, they have requested that the match, scheduled for March 25, be relocated due to concerns regarding the adherence to FIFA regulations on neutral playing venues. The match is significant, as it falls within Group B of the Asian qualifying round, where Iraq is currently in second place, with Jordan closely following in third.
The last international soccer match held in the Palestinian territories took place in October 2019, after which Palestine has held home fixtures at neutral sites including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia. FIFA suggested Amman as a neutral venue after Iraq rejected a request to play in the Palestinian territories. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) expressed that playing in Amman may violate FIFA’s rules, questioning the integrity of the competition given the proximity of the teams in the standings.
In response to Iraq’s decision, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment and stated that they were not consulted prior to the IFA’s unilateral decision. The PFA emphasized their commitment to host matches on Palestinian soil, a right they have vigorously defended over time. They also pointed out that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had deemed the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium suitable for hosting the match but required Iraq’s agreement to proceed.
The IFA further outlined their concerns, stating that their decision was influenced by the absence of VAR technology at the proposed venue. They indicated a desire to support Palestinian sports but could not compromise on this technical aspect. Notably, Palestine currently occupies the last position in Group B, having garnered only three points in six matches, while neither they nor Jordan has previously qualified for a World Cup finals. Iraq previously qualified but did not succeed in the 1986 tournament.
In summary, Iraq’s refusal to participate in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine at the proposed venues has raised concerns regarding fairness in the competition. The IFA’s decision prioritizes compliance with technical standards, while the PFA remains determined to advocate for their right to host matches on home soil. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian sports within the larger framework of international competitions.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
