Iraqi national soccer team suspended one year due to government actions.

[RL3AO]

Really sad too. They probably wouldn't have qualified for the World Cup, but if the Iraqi Government doesn't overturn their decision the team won't have any chance.

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/8177870/FIFA-provisionally-suspends-Iraq-for-one-year

[redqueen]

1. The Iraq Council of Ministers said they'd retain

the current leadership of the Iraq Football Association, which would be enough to get FIFA to revoke the suspension... but the Asian Football Confederation says FIFA won't lift the ban unless all national sport authorities are reinstated. (?)

Doesn't seem too likely that that'll happen.

[anakie]

2. they are due to play a World Cup qualifier

this weekend against Australia in Australia. The team is here ready to play but the match is still in limbo. As to Iraq qualifying for the World Cup they actually do stand a good chance even though they are in the strongest group for the qualifying round. They are champions of Asia after all.

Typing parochially, I hope the suspension is upheld, Australia gets the 6 points for the forfeits and goes into the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Peace

[anakie]

3. The match will now go ahead

as it appears the Iraqi govt had worked out there differences with FIFA. The match is sold out with 52,000 people expected to attend. Like the States, this is a huge crowd for football/soccer in Australia.

Peace

[redqueen]

4. Glad to hear it...

thanks for the update. :)

[anakie]

5. Australia 1 - Iraq 0

to remain undefeated at the top of Group 1. The home leg for Iraq will be played next weekend but not in Iraq, mainly due to some ongoing conflict or other in Iraq. They are playing in Dubai. One more win for Australia should get them into the second round.

Peace