Graham Arnold is appealing to FIFA for assistance as the escalating tension between Iran and the United States threatens to disrupt his efforts to lead Iraq to its first World Cup in four decades.
The former Socceroos coach is urging football’s governing body to consider an alternative arrangement for Iraq’s World Cup playoff, which is scheduled for later this month.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are set to compete in a decisive match against the winner of the playoff between Suriname and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31, with the FIFA international window beginning on March 23.
This match will determine whether Iraq can qualify for its first global tournament since 1986.
However, preparations for Iraq’s game have been thrown into disarray due to the intensifying conflict in the region. Iraqi airspace is set to remain closed until April 1, just one day after their scheduled encounter with Suriname or Bolivia.
Arnold, speaking to AAP from the UAE while receiving an emergency alert, made a straightforward request to FIFA: “Please assist us with this game because we are currently struggling to get our players out of Iraq.”
Nearly 60% of Arnold’s first-choice team consists of players from the domestic Iraqi league, but they, along with many of his support staff, including interpreter and former Sydney FC player Ali Abbas, are unable to leave Iraq.
A training camp in Houston has already been postponed due to visa and travel uncertainties, adding further stress to Arnold’s plans.
“In my opinion, if FIFA were to postpone the game, it would give us the necessary time to prepare properly,” Arnold shared with AAP. “Let Bolivia and Suriname play this month, and then one week before the World Cup, we face the winner in the U.S. — the winner advances, and the loser goes home.”
“This would also give FIFA additional time to consider Iran’s situation,” he added. “If Iran withdraws, we would qualify for the World Cup, allowing the UAE, whom we defeated in qualifying, time to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname.”
“Our federation president, Adnan Dirjal, is working tirelessly to fulfill everyone’s dream in Iraq, so we need a quick decision.”
The global players’ union FIFPro also expressed its stance on Sunday, advocating for a cautious approach to the upcoming match, prioritizing player safety above all.
“Player safety must be the top priority right now,” stated Beau Busch, FIFPro’s president for the Asia and Oceania regions. “We would much prefer that all parties, including the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, adopt an extremely cautious approach to ensure the welfare of the players is fully safeguarded.”
When asked if the Iraq playoff should proceed as planned, FIFPro secretary general Alex Phillips clarified: “It hinges on the safety of the players. Ensuring player safety will be our primary concern, along with other factors.”
If FIFA is unable to accommodate Arnold’s request, he worries about how his players and staff will evacuate Iraq in such short notice.
Recent missile attacks in Erbil, which hosts a U.S. airbase, have also disrupted Iraq’s domestic football matches.
Arnold, at 62, lamented the challenges of assembling a competitive team from players outside of Iraq.
“We wouldn’t have our best squad, and we need all our top players available for the country’s most important game in 40 years,” he expressed.
Arnold is eager to help Iraq achieve its first World Cup appearance in four decades. The Australian had previously led the Socceroos to the 2022 tournament, where they reached the round of 16 before losing to eventual champions Argentina.
“The passion for football among the Iraqi people is extraordinary,” Arnold remarked. “The long wait of 40 years without qualification is the primary reason I accepted this role.”
“But with the airport currently closed, we’re diligently seeking alternatives.”
Information from AAP contributed to this report. Additional reporting by ESPN’s Joey Lynch.