So this happened a couple weeks ago and apparently went right over my head, but Iraq has been banned from hosting qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and 2012 Olympic qualifiers for the foreseeable future. Reasons specified by FIFA are general security concerns revolving around Iraq's September 2 home game against Jordan in Arbil, Iraq. FIFA said that security conditions surrounding the match were not up to par with Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the 2014 World Cup regulations. Without further ado:
Article 20, Paragraph 1:
Each association organising matches in the preliminary competition shall ensure that the stadiums and facilities in which the matches take place fulfil the requirements described in the Football Stadiums: Technical Recommendations and Requirements publication and comply with the safety and security standards and other FIFA guidelines and instructions for international matches. The fields of play, accessory equipment and facilities shall be in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of the Game.
So that's irritatingly vague. In any case, without specifics having been given, it isn't a stretch to think there could be security concerns regarding games hosted in Iraq, a country still very much in a state of turmoil. Very tough break for Iraq though who are still slated to host China in November and Singapore in February. Iraq can get through Singapore on the road but losing home-field advantage against China is a huge blow considering those teams are fighting it out for the final advancement spot in the group right now.
No word yet on where Iraq will play its home games this round. Iraq was unable to play at home in 2010 qualifying and played home games in Syria and U.A.E. as a result.
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