March 1 – The head of Asian football has called on FIFA to lift its ban on Iraq being allowed to host competitive international matches after three decades.
Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa believes it is time the war-torn nation is allowed back into the fold to stage fixtures at their new Basra Sports City Stadium that holds up to 65,000 fans.
International friendlies are allowed to take place after FIFA relaxed the ban back in December but not for competitive games.
Speaking prior to Iraq’s international friendly with Saudi Arabia, the Asian Football Confederation chief said “the time has come” to permanently end the ban.
“We ask FIFA to take this decision and we invite FIFA’s leaders to come and watch matches in Iraq,” Salman told reporters
Iraq narrowly missed out of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia, with the Saudis pipping them to the post. They have been forced to play the majority of their ‘home’ qualifying games at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran in neighbouring Iran.
A decision is expected on March 16 on whether FIFA will lift the ban hosting competitive matches. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was reportedly invited by Iraq’s football authorities to attend the friendly against the Saudis but has conflicting commitments.
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