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.
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.
The games come as Iraq is trying to get the international governing body for soccer to lift its ban, which has been in place since 2013. In May, FIFA agreed to let Iraq host unofficial games, or "friendlies," during a three-month trial period. Before its game with the Syrian Olympic team, the Iraqi national team played June 1 against the Jordanian team at Basra International Stadium in southern Iraq. About 65,000 spectators turned out to see Iraq win 1-0.
In addition to hosting unofficial games, Iraq is trying to attract international soccer stars to visit its sports facilities. Iraq is preparing to receive a group of international soccer stars to participate in a friendly game with Iraq's standout players. On June 18, former Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids arrived in Iraq to explore Basra International Stadium, where the game will be played Aug. 1.
