Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has called on FIFA to postpone their critical World Cup play-off against Suriname or Bolivia as regional conflict and airspace closures prevent his squad from traveling to Mexico.
Iraq manager Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to FIFA to delay his team’s winner-takes-all qualifier scheduled for March 31.
Ongoing regional conflict has closed Iraqi airspace and shuttered foreign embassies, leaving domestic players without visas and Arnold stranded in the UAE.
“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country,” Arnold told reporters.
The turmoil has already forced the cancellation of a training camp in Houston, jeopardizing Iraq’s biggest match in 40 years.
Arnold proposed deferring the final play-off until June to allow for proper preparation and a clearer geopolitical outlook.
He emphasized that fielding only overseas-based players is unfeasible, stating, “It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team available.”
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