Iraq has rejected a proposal to play a World Cup qualifying match in Jerusalem against Palestine, citing fairness concerns associated with competing in Amman. The last match held in Palestinian territories was in 2019. The PFA expressed disappointment over Iraq’s decision, reiterating their commitment to home matches. Iraq cited insufficient technology as a reason for not playing in Palestine, emphasizing ongoing complexities in regional soccer competition.
Iraq has officially declined to host their World Cup qualifying match against Palestine in Jerusalem, proposing an alternative venue. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) insists that playing in the Jordanian capital of Amman violates FIFA’s neutrality rules. With Iraq in a competitive standings position in Group B, the IFA expressed concerns about fairness and integrity in the competition, suggesting the match be relocated by FIFA instead.
The last international soccer match held in Palestinian territories was in October 2019. Since then, Palestine has conducted its “home” matches in various neutral locations like Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia. The proposed match against Iraq is scheduled for March 25, and the Palestine Football Association (PFA) had sought to hold it at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, Jerusalem.
The PFA expressed disappointment over Iraq’s unilateral decision not to play in Palestine, asserting that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had approved the venue pending Iraqi agreement. The PFA clarified its commitment to host matches on home soil, which they believe is a hard-won right.
Notably, the IFA stated they opposed the match in Palestine due to the absence of VAR technology at the proposed stadium, despite their desire to support Palestinian sports. This decision highlights ongoing complexities in Middle Eastern sports, particularly regarding the competing interests of nations in the same qualification group. Palestine currently sits at the bottom of Group B with three points, seeking to improve their standing, while Iraq aims for World Cup qualification after their previous appearance in 1986.
In summary, Iraq has dismissed the option of playing their World Cup qualifier against Palestine in Jerusalem, citing integrity and fairness issues while pushing for a venue change from Amman. The situation emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by Palestine in hosting international matches and the broader implications of regional rivalries in sports. Ultimately, the resolution of this matter remains pending FIFA’s decision, further complicating the aspirations of both teams in the group standings.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
