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03/04 11:10 CST Iraq facing World Cup playoff difficulties as Iran war closes
embassies and airspace
Iraq facing World Cup playoff difficulties as Iran war closes embassies and
airspace
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) --- Iraq's hopes of World Cup qualification are being
impacted by the Iran war because players cannot get visas for the playoff
tournament in Mexico and the team's coach is stranded in the United Arab
Emirates.
"Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to
leave the United Arab Emirates," the Iraqi soccer federation said in a
statement on Instagram on Wednesday. "In addition, several embassies remain
closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical
and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico."
Iraq is scheduled to play Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico on March 31
for one of the last two qualification places for the World Cup in the United
States, Mexico and Canada.
The federation said it is in "constant communication with FIFA regarding the
arrangements for our national team's participation" in the match. It said the
Asian Football Confederation is also "fully aware of every development
regarding our team's situation."
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
