War chaos threatens Iraq’s World Cup dream as coach Arnold begs FIFA for help
According to ESPN News Services, Iraq’s national team is facing serious logistical challenges ahead of a decisive World Cup playoff scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Travel disruption leaves Iraq squad in limbo
Iraq’s preparations for the decisive playoff have been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the region, which has forced the closure of Iraqi airspace.
According to ESPN News Services, Iraqi airspace is not expected to reopen until April 1, one day after Iraq is due to face the winner of a playoff between Suriname and Bolivia in Monterrey.
The situation has left many members of the national team unable to leave the country in time for the international window, which begins on March 23.
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A significant portion of Iraq’s squad plays in the domestic league, meaning several players and staff members remain stuck in Iraq while travel options remain limited.
Graham Arnold urges FIFA to delay playoff
Head coach Graham Arnold has asked football’s governing body FIFA to consider postponing the match so Iraq can properly prepare and assemble its full squad.
According to the Australian Associated Press, Arnold said the team is struggling to move players out of Iraq because of the current travel restrictions.
"Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq," Arnold told AAP.
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The Australian coach suggested that FIFA could allow Bolivia and Suriname to play their playoff now, with Iraq facing the winner closer to the start of the World Cup.
"In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly," Arnold said.
Player safety concerns raised by FIFPro
The international players’ union FIFPro has also weighed in on the situation, urging football authorities to prioritise player safety.
According to ESPN, FIFPro Asia Oceania president Beau Busch said officials should take an extremely cautious approach when deciding whether the match should proceed.
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"The player's safety should be the priority for everyone right now," Busch said.
FIFPro secretary general Alex Phillips added that any decision should primarily depend on whether the safety of players can be guaranteed.
Iraq chasing first World Cup since 1986
The match could determine whether Iraq qualifies for its first World Cup in four decades.
Iraq last appeared at the global tournament in 1986, and Arnold has spoken about the country’s deep passion for football since taking the job.
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"The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football that it is insane," Arnold said.
Arnold previously coached Australia at the 2022 World Cup, where the Socceroos reached the round of 16 before losing to eventual champions Argentina.
Uncertainty over Iraq’s crucial playoff
If FIFA does not agree to delay the fixture, Iraq could face the difficult prospect of playing the decisive match without several key players who are currently unable to leave the country.
The final decision now rests with FIFA as the team waits to learn whether its World Cup hopes will be decided under extraordinary circumstances.
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Sources: ESPN News
