FIFA World Cup qualifying Australia v Iraq to go ahead
May 29, 2008
Earlier this week FIFA announced that Iraq had been suspended from the governing body of football. This came following the Iraqi Govenment’s decision to dissolve the Iraq Football Association along with all other national sporting bodies in Iraq.
The announcement meant that the Australia-Iraq World Cup qualifying match scheduled for Brisbane this Sunday was off. This came as a great disappointment to all involved, especially the fans.
The Football Federation of Australia stood to lose up to $3 million if the match did not go ahead.
In news today FIFA lifted its suspension of the Iraqi national football team. FIFA said that they received a letter from the Iraqi Government saying that the football federation had been excluded from the decree.
FIFA has warned that the matter is not closed and that it could re-impose the suspension.
Iraq are the reigning Asian champions having won the title last year in Jakarta. Australia were soundly defeated by Iraq 3-1 in the group stage of the competition and will be keen to show the football world that they are better than the results showed in the Asian Cup.
Australia with four points currently sit at the top of the World Cup qualifying group that also includes China and Qatar. Iraq will be keen to score full points against Australia as they are in last spot after a draw and a loss in their first two games.
The match is due to kickoff at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at 5pm Sunday June 1.
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