Iraq’s national team coach, Graham Arnold, has appealed to FIFA to delay the country’s upcoming FIFA World Cup play-off fixture due to the current security situation in the region.
The decisive match is scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, where Iraq are expected to face either Bolivia or Suriname.
Arnold explained that rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have created serious travel challenges for the Iraqi squad.
According to the coach, the situation has been further complicated by Iraq’s decision to shut its airspace since late February, making it difficult for several players and officials to travel and assemble with the national team.
“It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” Arnold said.
He added that football holds a special place in the hearts of Iraqi supporters, stressing that the long wait for World Cup qualification has only heightened the significance of the fixture.
Arnold also noted that if the situation persists, the team might have to depend largely on players based overseas, which could weaken their chances in such a crucial encounter.
Iraq booked their place in the play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates in a previous qualifying match.
The Iraqi Football Association is now working with Arnold to formally request that FIFA consider moving the match to a later date to allow the team adequate preparation time and the opportunity to field a full-strength squad.
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