BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to soccer’s international governing body to postpone the team’s intercontinental qualifiers. world cup Because of the disruption caused by escalation iran war.
Iraq faces major logistical problems ahead of a winner-take-all playoff against either Suriname or Bolivia, scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Due to the escalating conflict, Iraq’s airspace is closed until April 1st, and Arnold’s team, made up mainly of players from the domestic league, will not be able to fully assemble.
Players have not secured visas Missing a playoff tournament in Mexico due to foreign embassies being closed, Arnold is stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to a conflict.
Arnold, a former coach of the Australian national team, told the Australian Associated Press: “We’re having a hard time getting our players out of the country of Iraq right now, so we’re asking for your help with this game.”
The disruption has already forced the postponement of a training camp scheduled for Houston. Arnold said building a team solely with players based overseas was not a realistic option.
“It’s not going to be our best team and we need the best team to play in the biggest game in this country in 40 years,” he said.
Arnold proposed strategically delaying the playoff schedule, proposing that FIFA allow preliminary games between Suriname and Bolivia this month, while delaying the final playoffs until a week before the start of the World Cup.
“In my opinion, if FIFA postpones the match, it will give us time to prepare properly,” Arnold said. “In my opinion, it also FIFA takes more time decide What is Iran trying to do? “
“If Iran withdraws, we will be in the World Cup and the UAE, who won in the qualifiers, will have a chance to prepare for Bolivia or Suriname.
“Our Federation President Adnan Diljal has been working around the clock on planning and preparations to make the Iraqi dream a reality for everyone, which is why we need to take this decision quickly.”
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