Iraq fans will finally be able to attend matches in their home country after FIFA today (Tuesday) made the decision for the Lions to once again host international friendlies.
This will now mean Basra, Erbil and Karbala are eligible to stage these events, the only cities in Iraq with the permission to do so.
Iraq FA’s proposal to lift the suspension was to be determined in Manama, Bahrain, at the 67th Congress on Thursday. However, earlier today, FIFA had this to say:
“Provided that the situation remains stable and that several adjustments are brought into place in the proposed venues (Erbil, Basra and Karbala), the Council decided to lift the ban for international friendlies. As a consequence, the Congress will not need to vote on this item, since it falls under the competence of the Council.”
It’s been four years since the Lions hosted an international match and six since a competitive clash. Reports suggest Jordan and South Korea will be the nations to make history by playing Iraq in Basra and Karbala but an official fixture is yet to be confirmed.
