Iraq hopes to bring FIFA soccer back to its stadiums

Iraq is hosting showcase soccer games during a three-month "probation" period as it works to convince FIFA that the country has overcome security and organizational problems and is ready to get back in the game.
Supporters of the Iraqi national team wave their national flag during the international friendly football match between Iraq and Jordan at Basra Sports City in Basra on June 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI (Photo credit should read HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI/AFP/Getty Images)
Supporters of the Iraqi national team wave their national flag during the international friendly soccer game between Iraq and Jordan at Basra International Stadium in Basra, Iraq, June 1, 2017. - HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI/AFP/Getty Images
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Mustafa Saadoun
@SaadoonMustafa
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BAGHDAD — Iraq has been working to get the FIFA ban on its soccer stadiums lifted by hosting showcase games and wooing international soccer stars to tour the country's facilities.

The latest games were held June 26 and June 29 in Karbala between the Iraqi Olympic team and its Syrian counterpart. Iraq won the first game 2-0 and the second game ended in a 1-1 tie.

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