Iraq have been suspended by FIFA from all competitions for one year because the Iraqi government dissolved its national sports federations.Iraq have until 11:59 on May 29 according to Sydney, Australia time to reverse its ruling. Otherwise, it will be eliminated from the upcoming qualifying matches. Iraq's opponents will be awarded full points for the remaining four matches on the Iraqi Round Three schedule.
The Iraqi players were training and were about to leave for Australia when the news was broken. "The decision is a big shock for the players," said Iraq's coach Adnan Hamad.
