Iraq has declined to play the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Palestine in both Jerusalem and Jordan, citing FIFA’s neutral venue rules and lack of VAR technology. Palestine has expressed disappointment at this decision, emphasizing the importance of hosting matches on home soil. As the qualifiers progress, issues regarding fairness and venue legitimacy remain paramount for all teams involved.
The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has formally declined to play the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in both Jerusalem and Jordan, seeking an alternative venue. The match is scheduled for March 25 as part of the Asian qualifying third round, yet Iraq’s proposal to host the game has raised concerns over FIFA regulations regarding neutral venues. The last match held in Palestine occurred in October 2019, and since then, home fixtures have been relocated to neutral sites including Qatar and Jordan.
Palestine’s football authority expressed disappointment at Iraq’s decision, emphasizing that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had previously sanctioned the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium for hosting the match, contingent upon Iraq’s approval. Iraq’s request for relocation stems from their concern about the absence of VAR technology at the Palestinian venue, stating, “This decision raises serious questions about the integrity and fairness of the competition.” The competitive nature of Group B, which includes Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, has heightened the urgency for a suitable venue.
Currently, Palestine occupies the last position in Group B with only three points collected over six matches, while Iraq is second with eleven points, trailing South Korea by three points. Both Palestine and Jordan have yet to qualify for the World Cup, contrasting with Iraq’s historical participation in 1986, where they did not secure a win in their three matches. As FIFA and the AFC await further discussions, the ongoing developments highlight the complexities surrounding geopolitical issues and sports governance.
In summary, Iraq’s refusal to play the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in Jerusalem or Jordan stems from concerns regarding FIFA’s neutral venue policies and the absence of VAR technology. This decision not only affects the competition’s integrity but also continues to reflect the complexities of hosting sporting events in regions of geopolitical tension. As the March match date approaches, both associations will need to navigate these challenges while seeking an appropriate resolution.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
