Iraq coach calls for World Cup playoff to be rescheduled

Iraqs coach Graham Arnold urged FIFA on Monday to delay his teams intercontinental playoff for the World Cup as numerous players and support staff remain stuck amid the escalating conflict in Iran.

The Iraqi side is scheduled to take on either Suriname or Bolivia on March 31 in Monterrey Mexico for a spot in the World Cup finals yet with Iraqi airspace shut until April 1 Arnolds team cannot assemble or journey there.

If the match proceeds in Mexico we face major hurdles leaving Baghdad Arnold who hails from Australia explained to CNN.

Around 60 percent of my players are based in Iraq all my support staff reside in Iraq and my medical team is in Qatar plus we are struggling to obtain Mexican visas right now he continued.

Arnold mentioned he had to abandon a planned training session in the United States.

Everything for that is now cancelled since we cannot exit Baghdad he noted.

FIFA must reach a swift decision on this matter as the current circumstances make it rather unjust given the challenges we would endure.

He proposed that Suriname and Bolivia proceed with their playoff in Monterrey on March 26 and then the victor could face Iraq in the United States shortly before the World Cup begins on June 11.

Suriname could still compete against Bolivia if we are unable to arrive and we might challenge the winner right before the World Cup allowing us to prepare adequately and fulfil all necessary steps for success Arnold stated.

Bolivia and Suriname can proceed in March without any travel issues they can arrive without delay and we could then meet the winner

The winner advances to the World Cup while the loser departs.

Arnold indicated that Iraqi football officials are maintaining regular communication with FIFA though he conceded the ordeal is proving burdensome.

It is a case of addressing one issue at a time it is stressful and I have endured many restless nights fretting over proper organisation he remarked.