Iraq ask Fifa to postpone World Cup playoff due to closed airspace
Iraq manager Graham Arnold has urged Fifa to reschedule their upcoming World Cup playoff match because regional conflict has left the majority of his squad trapped by airspace closures.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are scheduled to face either Suriname or Bolivia in Monterrey on 31 March.
However, Iraqi airspace is currently shut until 1 April following escalating tensions between neighbouring Iran and the United States.
Travel chaos threatens historic qualification
Nearly 60 percent of the national team’s first-choice squad is drawn from the domestic league.
These domestically-based players and key backroom staff remain entirely unable to fly out of the Middle Eastern nation.
“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold said.
A planned pre-match training camp in Houston has already been postponed due to severe visa and travel uncertainty.
Alternative proposals for governing body
The 62-year-old tactician has suggested allowing the initial playoff between Bolivia and Suriname to proceed this month.
Under his proposed alternative, the Iraqi side would then play the winner in the United States just a week before the global tournament begins.
“In my opinion, if Fifa were to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly,” the former Australia boss added.
The head coach also noted that a delay would provide more time to determine whether Iran might withdraw from the competition altogether.
If the Iranians were to pull out, Iraq could qualify automatically, subsequently granting the United Arab Emirates a chance to contest the playoff instead.
Chasing a four-decade dream
The national side is desperately attempting to qualify for their first global tournament since their sole appearance in 1986.
Missile strikes in Erbil have already disrupted domestic fixtures, heavily impacting the preparation of local athletes.
The veteran Australian manager insisted there is little hope of fielding a competitive starting lineup assembled solely from overseas-based professionals.
Arnold successfully guided the Socceroos to the round of 16 at the 2022 tournament before suffering defeat against eventual champions Argentina.
“It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said.
