India Seek Friendly Options After Iraq Ban

India was planning to face Iraq in a friendly at Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium on December 12 but now they have to consider other options as Iraq has been suspended by the world’s governing body.

Last Friday FIFA announced the suspension of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) from competing at any international level until the situation involving the Iraqi Olympic Committee has been resolved.

"The FIFA Emergency Committee has today, Friday, November 20, 2009, decided to suspend the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) due to governmental interference," a FIFA statement read.

"In accordance with FIFA Statutes, the clubs and representative teams of Iraq are no longer permitted to take part in international matches, whether friendly or competitive.”

 Bob Houghton’s team haven’t played any international matches since the Nehru Cup win in August and the senior squad is not scheduled to play any competitive tournament anytime soon as an U-23 squad will be taking part in December’s SAFF Cup.

So the suspension of Iraq is a big blow to Houghton’s plans and it remains to be seen what alternative step is taken by the AIFF.