Iraq declined to play Palestine in a World Cup qualifier in Palestine or Jordan. The Iraqi Football Association raised concerns about the match’s venue, suggesting it violates FIFA’s neutrality rules. Palestine expressed disappointment over Iraq’s unilateral decision and emphasized their commitment to host matches at home despite past challenges. This situation is critical as both Iraq and Palestine compete for World Cup qualification.
Iraq has declined to play their World Cup qualifying match against Palestine in Jerusalem or Amman. The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has requested that the match venue be changed to avoid what they consider a breach of FIFA rules regarding neutral locations. Palestine has been forced to play at neutral sites since 2019, and the upcoming match set for March 25 is crucial for both teams in their qualifying group, which also includes Jordan and South Korea.
The refusal by Iraq to play in Palestine highlights the challenges facing the nation in hosting matches and raises questions about fairness in the World Cup qualifying process. Palestine’s commitment to play at home remains strong, although they currently sit at the bottom of the group. The IFA’s concerns about venue integrity and technology underscore the complexities of international soccer amidst political tensions.
Original Source: www.flashscore.com
