|
|||||||||||
 |
|
A screen grab from AFC's official website shows an announcement of the FIFA ban, Sept 23, 2011. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] |
Iraq will have to play all their home qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup and next year's London Olympics at a neutral venue due to fears over security, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday.
In a letter sent to the Iraq Football Association, FIFA raised concerns over security conditions and a breach of safety regulations their qualifier with Jordan earlier this month, according to an AFC statement.
The letter added that the country will have to nominate a neutral ground in Asia for the World Cup qualifying matches by Oct 1 and the 2012 Olympic qualifiers by Oct 3.
The venue must not be one of the countries where Iraq is scheduled to play qualifiers, however.
Iraq, ranked 109 in the FIFA world rankings, lost 2-0 to Jordan on Sept 2 at the Franso Hariri Stadium, which appeared well over capacity and suffered a power cut during the match.
The gulf nation, currently placed third in Group A of the Asian qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup, will host China on Nov 11.
Related Stories
In photos: China suffers 1st loss to Jordan in 27 years 2011-09-07 10:16
China loses to Jordan in World Cup qualifier 2011-09-07 06:23
China braves early scare to beat Singapore 2011-09-03 07:49
China beats Singapore 2-1 in World Cup qualifier 2011-09-02 22:38
Camacho eyes victory over Singapore at WC qualifiers 2011-09-02 10:25
- 'Global co-op needed' to address downside risks
- Police chief apologizes over "sex slave" case
- Jury selected for Jackson doctor's trial
- Officials punished after tourist brutally beaten
- Chinese police capture prison break fugitive
- Child survivor of train crash can stand again
- Armstrong: US space program on a path to decay
- Govt sells low-rent housing equities
Hot Topics
Organ transplant bonds mother and son
Editor's Picks
|
|
|
|
|
|
