Iraq has declined to face Palestine in the World Cup qualifier scheduled for March 25, citing venue integrity concerns. The IFA rejected proposals to play in Jerusalem and Amman, while the PFA expressed disappointment. Challenges surrounding venue suitability and the absence of VAR technology remain crucial issues affecting the match’s staging.
Iraq has formally declined to participate in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine, scheduled for March 25, in both Jerusalem and Jordan. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) rejected the proposal from Palestine to hold the match outside Jerusalem and criticized FIFA’s suggestion to play it in Amman, citing concerns regarding neutral venue regulations.
In a statement, the IFA expressed that the competitive integrity of the tournament could be compromised, as Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine are direct competitors in Group B. Currently, Iraq stands second with 11 points, just ahead of Jordan, while Palestine languishes at the bottom with three points.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment over Iraq’s unilateral decision, stating that they had consulted FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the suitability of the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem, which was approved for use. The PFA highlighted its ongoing struggle to host matches on home soil and reaffirmed their commitment to this goal.
Furthermore, the IFA clarified its refusal originated from the absence of VAR technology at the proposed venue, despite a desire to support Palestinian sports. As this situation continues to unfold, it raises significant questions about the dynamics and fairness within the qualifying round.
This series of events underscores the challenges faced in international sports due to political and logistical factors while highlighting the ongoing aspirations of Palestine to participate fully in international competitions. Neither Palestine nor Jordan has previously qualified for the World Cup finals, contrasting with Iraq’s historical participation in 1986, where they lost all three matches.
In summary, Iraq’s refusal to play the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in either Jerusalem or Jordan has drawn criticism and raised concerns over competition fairness in Group B. Both the IFA and PFA have expressed their positions, revealing deeper complexities and aspirations regarding the hosting of international sporting events. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the dynamics in this qualifying round.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
