Graham Arnold, the head coach of the Iraqi national football team, has called for the postponement of their upcoming World Cup play-off against either Bolivia or Suriname due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, Arnold expressed concerns over the ability to assemble a full team given the current travel disruptions stemming from the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since late February, complicating travel arrangements for players and staff. Arnold emphasized the importance of fielding the best possible team for what could be Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986. He argued that relying solely on players based outside Iraq would severely hinder their chances of success in this crucial match.
The Iraqi team secured their place in the play-off after a hard-fought victory over the United Arab Emirates. Arnold’s appeal to FIFA for a delay is fueled by a desire to ensure that the team can prepare adequately for this pivotal game, which holds immense significance for Iraqi football fans. As the situation unfolds, Arnold and the Iraqi football federation are working tirelessly to navigate these unprecedented challenges and keep the dream of World Cup qualification alive.
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