The Iraqi Football Federation (IFA) has formally requested FIFA to postpone its World Cup qualifying play-off match after rejecting a proposal from the governing body that would involve a 25-hour road trip to Turkey. The match, scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, against Bolivia or Suriname, is at risk due to the closure of Iraqi airspace, a direct consequence of the war in the country. This decision was communicated to the IFA by the Iraqi Ministry of Transport. The logistical situation is complex, with about half of the team stranded in Baghdad, unable to travel. Australian coach Graham Arnold is also stuck in Dubai. In light of the impasse, FIFA suggested that players travel by land from Baghdad to Istanbul, a route that crosses the northern part of the country, an area that has been targeted by Iranian drone attacks. However, Graham Arnold has already informed the Iraqi federation that he will not allow his players to make this road trip while the conflict persists. In addition to transportation issues, there are difficulties in obtaining visas. Several players and coaching staff members have not yet received the necessary visas to enter Mexico or the United States, where a training camp was planned in Houston. The Iraqi federation is pressing FIFA for a quick decision on the postponement to ensure some certainty. It is worth noting that Iraq is already qualified for one of the two finals of the six-team intercontinental play-off, with its match being the last of the tournament. In another aspect that could offer a solution to FIFA, Iraq is seen as the most likely candidate to replace neighboring Iran in the World Cup, should it withdraw from the competition due to the war. This possibility is based on the fact that Iraq is the next highest-ranked team in the Asian Football Confederation qualifying tournament.
World Cup Graham Arnold remains central to this story.
World Cup Graham Arnold remains central to this story.
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