03/04/26 12:44:00
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03/04 12:42 CST Iraq facing World Cup playoff difficulties as Iran war closes
embassies and airspace
Iraq facing World Cup playoff difficulties as Iran war closes embassies and
airspace
BAGHDAD (AP) --- Iraq's hopes of World Cup qualification are being impacted by
the Iran war because players cannot get visas for the playoff tournament in
Mexico and the team's coach is stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
"Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to
leave the United Arab Emirates," the Iraqi soccer federation said in a
statement on Instagram on Wednesday. "In addition, several embassies remain
closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical
and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico."
Iraq is scheduled to play either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico on
March 31 for one of the last two qualification places for the World Cup in the
United States, Mexico and Canada.
The federation said it is in "constant communication with FIFA regarding the
arrangements for our national team's participation" in the match. It said the
Asian Football Confederation is also "fully aware of every development
regarding our team's situation."
If Iraq fails to qualify through the playoff, it could take another path if
Iran is unable to take part in the tournament because of the U.S. and Israeli
attacks on the country.
"We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Iran's top
soccer official Mehdi Taj said.
Should Iran pull out --- still hugely speculative --- Iraq or the United Arab
Emirates would be likely replacements as the ninth and 10th-ranked Asian teams
in qualifying.
But FIFA's legal regulations are vague and appear to give FIFA president Gianni
Infantino wide powers to shape any decision.
Iraq's most certain hope of qualifying remains winning the playoff later this
month.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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