The Iraq national football team is requesting to change the venue for their World Cup qualifying match against Palestine from Amman, the capital of Jordan, to another location. This decision arises after Iraq rejected proposals to hold the match near Jerusalem, showcasing the complex geopolitical factors at play.
According to reports as of February 28, 2025, Iraq’s match against Palestine is scheduled for March 25, as part of the Asia Third Round Group B qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Since October 2019, Palestine has played all of its home matches at neutral sites, including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and Malaysia. This request to alter the match venue stems from concerns raised by the Iraq Football Association (IFA) about the neutrality of the game if played in Amman.
Despite FIFA's arrangement to use Amman as the neutral ground for the match, the IFA formally submitted a request to FIFA to reconsider and change the match’s location. The IFA is particularly concerned about competition fairness, citing the close standings of Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine within Group B. Currently, Iraq holds second place with 11 points, just three points behind leaders South Korea and two points ahead of Jordan. Only the top two teams will qualify for the World Cup.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) expressed disappointment at Iraq's refusal to play at the Faisal al-Husseini Stadium located in al-Ram, near Jerusalem. PFA emphasized having worked hard over the years to advocate for their right to host matches on Palestinian soil. They indicated surprise at the IFA's unilateral decision, stating, "We were surprised to learn of the IFA's decision to refuse to play in Palestine without prior discussion or consultation with us or with the AFC and FIFA." The PFA highlighted FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had already assessed the Faisal al-Husseini Stadium and deemed it suitable for play.
The IFA’s statement referenced concerns about competition integrity, insisting on the importance of playing at neutral venues to avoid any possible advantages. They pointed out the significant historical aspect of organizing matches within the Palestinian territories and wished to maintain their support for Palestinian sports, but emphasized the need for technological standards, particularly the absence of VAR technology at the proposed Palestinian venue, as pivotal to their decision.
At present, Palestine is at the bottom of Group B, only managing to secure three points from six matches played. The stakes are particularly high for Iraq as they vie for qualification to the World Cup, having previously qualified only once, back in 1986, where they unfortunately lost all their matches.
The upcoming match will not only have sporting significance but will also bring to light the political overtones surrounding international sporting events within conflict zones. The IFA has highlighted the ethical responsibility they feel, balancing sporting ambitions with the realities on the ground.
The IFA firmly believes their concerns are legitimate and rooted deeply within the competitive framework of international football. This development serves as yet another reminder of the intersection between sports and politics, especially where sensitive historical divisions exist.
Both associations are now awaiting FIFA's decision on the matter as they approach the final stages of qualification for the global event. The choice of venue will not only impact the teams involved but has broader ramifications reflecting the region's historical narratives and current realities.
Conclusively, this dispute exemplifies the magnitude of geopolitics playing out on the sports stage, challenging the fundamental principles of neutrality and fairness integral to international sports competitions. How FIFA navigates this scenario will be closely observed by all stakeholders involved.