Iraq has dismissed a proposal to play a World Cup qualifying match against Palestine in Jerusalem, advocating instead for another venue. The Iraq Football Association cited competitive integrity concerns, as both teams compete closely in standings. Meanwhile, Palestine’s Football Association expressed disappointment, reaffirming their desire to host matches on home soil. The game is scheduled for March 25, but the venue remains unresolved.
Iraq has officially rejected the proposal to host its World Cup qualifier match against Palestine in Jerusalem, advocating instead for a different venue. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) previously refused to hold the match outside Jerusalem, citing concerns about neutrality since Palestine’s last international match was in October 2019, after which they played their “home” fixtures at neutral locations in Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia.
Palestine is scheduled to play Iraq in a Group B match on March 25. Following the refusal to hold the match in the Palestinian territories, FIFA suggested Amman as the neutral site. The IFA claims that playing in Amman would violate FIFA’s rules regarding neutral venues due to competitive integrity, as Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine compete closely in standings.
In the group standings, Iraq is currently in second place with 11 points, followed closely by Jordan with nine points, and trailing South Korea by three points. The top two teams from this group will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Palestine is currently in last place with only three points after six matches.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment regarding Iraq’s decision, stating that they were informed unilaterally without prior consultation. The PFA emphasizes their ongoing commitment to hosting matches on home soil. Additionally, the IFA noted concerns over the absence of VAR technology at the proposed venue as a factor in their decision to decline the match in Palestine.
In summary, Iraq’s rejection of Jerusalem as a venue for the World Cup qualifier against Palestine underscores ongoing tensions and logistical challenges in Middle Eastern soccer. The dispute highlights the intricate balance of competitive fairness and political complexities inherent in the region, particularly as both nations strive for greater recognition and advancement in international play.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
