Ex-Socceroos coach stranded in UAE as war impacts Iraq's World Cup hopes

[ad_1] Iraq's hopes of World Cup qualification are being impacted by the Center East struggle, with coach Graham Arnold left stranded in United Arab Emirates.

Ex-Socceroos coach Arnold isn't the one one affected, with Iraqi gamers unable to get visas for a World Cup play-off match in Mexico.

"Due to airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to depart the United Arab Emirates," the Iraq Soccer Federation stated in a press release on Instagram.

"As well as, a number of embassies stay closed this present day, stopping a number of skilled gamers, technical and medical employees members from acquiring entry visas to Mexico."

US-Israel assault Iran reside updates: For the newest information on the struggle within the Center East learn our weblog.

Iraq is scheduled to play both Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for one of many last two qualification locations for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The Iraq Soccer Federation stated it was in "fixed communication with FIFA concerning the preparations for our nationwide group's participation" within the match.

It stated the Asian Soccer Confederation was additionally "absolutely conscious of each improvement concerning our group's state of affairs".

If Iraq fails to qualify via the play-off match, it will possibly take one other path if Iran is unable to participate within the match due to the US and Israeli assaults on the nation.