Graham Arnold urges FIFA to help Iraq ahead of crucial World Cup playoff

• Graham Arnold asks FIFA to intervene over Iraq’s World Cup playoff preparations
• Iraq national football team face travel disruption due to regional conflict and closed airspace
• The playoff will decide whether Iraq reach the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986

Graham Arnold has urged FIFA to help resolve travel problems facing the Iraq national football team ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifying playoff later this month.

Iraq are scheduled to play a one-off playoff against the winner of a match between Suriname national football team and Bolivia national football team in Monterrey on March 31. The fixture will determine whether Iraq qualify for the next FIFA World Cup.

However, preparations have been disrupted by the ongoing tensions involving Iran and the United States, which have led to Iraq’s airspace remaining closed until April 1, a day after the scheduled playoff.

Arnold said the situation is making it extremely difficult for his squad to travel and prepare for the match.

“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold said.

Around 60 percent of Arnold’s preferred squad play in the domestic Iraqi league, leaving many players and staff unable to leave the country. Members of the coaching staff, including former Sydney FC winger Ali Abbas, are also affected by the travel restrictions.

A planned training camp in Houston has already been postponed as visa issues and travel uncertainty continue to complicate preparations.

Arnold suggested that FIFA could delay the playoff to allow teams more time to prepare.

“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly,” he said. “Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup we play the winner in the United States.”

The coach also said the delay could give FIFA more time to determine the status of Iran in the tournament should geopolitical developments affect participation.

Iraq’s football federation president Adnan Dirjal is working to resolve the situation as the team seeks to qualify for its first World Cup since the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Global players’ union FIFPro has also called for caution and urged decision-makers to prioritize the safety of players.

Beau Busch said authorities should adopt a conservative approach in the current circumstances.

“The player’s safety should be the priority for everyone right now,” Busch said. “Any measure that needs to be taken, even if it seems excessive, should be considered to safeguard the interests of players.”

Alex Phillips added that the decision on whether the match proceeds will depend on guarantees surrounding player safety.

The regional tensions have already affected domestic football matches in Erbil, where missile attacks have been reported near a United States airbase.

Arnold said Iraq would struggle to field a competitive team if players based inside the country cannot travel.

“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.

The Australian coach previously led the Australia national football team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before losing to eventual champions Argentina national football team.

Arnold said helping Iraq qualify for the World Cup remains a major motivation for him.

“The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football,” he said. “The fact they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job.”