Iraq is requesting a change of venue for their World Cup qualifier against Palestine, moving from Amman, Jordan, after rejecting Palestinian proposals for a match near Jerusalem. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) cites concerns about FIFA’s neutral venue regulations and competition integrity, while the Palestine Football Association (PFA) expresses disappointment over the refusal to play in the Palestinian territories. Both associations aim to navigate the qualifying rounds amid regional sporting aspirations.
Iraq has requested a relocation of their World Cup qualifier against Palestine scheduled for next month, seeking an alternative to the Jordanian capital of Amman. This request follows a rejection of Palestine’s suggestion to hold the match near Jerusalem. Since October 2019, games in the Palestinian territories have not occurred, with Palestine playing its fixtures at neutral locations including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia.
The match is part of the third round of Asian qualifying, with Palestine set to host Iraq in a Group B encounter on March 25. FIFA originally named Amman as a neutral site after rejecting the idea of staging the match within Palestinian territories. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) issued a statement urging FIFA to consider relocating the match, citing potential breaches of neutral venue regulations imposed by FIFA.
The IFA expressed concerns regarding the competition’s integrity, highlighting the tight standings within Group B, where Iraq currently holds second place with 11 points, closely followed by Jordan. The top two teams from the group will secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup Finals in North America.
Meanwhile, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment over Iraq’s refusal to play at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Al-Ram, Jerusalem. PFA noted that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation had approved the venue, contingent on Iraq’s agreement, and expressed surprise at the unilateral decision made by the IFA without prior consultation.
The IFA informed that while it remains committed to supporting Palestinian football, its decision was influenced by the absence of VAR technology at the proposed stadium. Both Palestine and Jordan, currently the lowest in Group B, aim to achieve qualification milestones, while Iraq continues to reflect on their 1986 World Cup experience.
Iraq’s demand for a new venue for their World Cup qualifier against Palestine highlights significant concerns over competition fairness and regulations governing neutral sites. As qualifying teams navigate their standings in Group B, the implications of this decision extend beyond logistics, underscoring the complexities of regional football governance and Palestine’s longstanding desire to host matches on home soil. Both associations continue to seek resolutions in pursuit of their sports aspirations, amidst a background of geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.espn.com
