, , ,

Iraq-Palestine WCQ Venue Dispute Sparks FIFA Dilemma

, , ,

The upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier between Iraq and Palestine has been overshadowed by disagreements concerning the match venue.

Initially, Palestine proposed hosting the game at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium near Jerusalem, a venue inspected and approved by both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). However, Iraq declined this proposal, citing concerns over the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the stadium.

In response, FIFA suggested Amman, Jordan, as a neutral location for the match scheduled on March 25. Iraq opposed this recommendation, arguing that playing in Amman would compromise the competition's integrity, given the close standings in Group B, where Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine are direct competitors.

The Palestine Football Association expressed regret over Iraq's decision, emphasizing their commitment to hosting matches on home soil—a right they've diligently pursued. As of now, FIFA has not announced a final decision regarding the match venue.

Middle East Football News
Al Hilal & Al Ahli Jeddah Advance in AFC Champions League
Al Hilal & Al Ahli Jeddah Advance in AFC Champions League

Al Hilal's comeback vs. Pakhtakor and Al Ahli's dominant win over Al-Rayyan secure their spots in the AFC Champions League quarters.

Al-Nassr Advances to AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals
Al-Nassr Advances to AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr cruise past Esteghlal 3-0, with Ronaldo scoring a Panenka as they advance to the AFC CL quarter-finals.

Iraq-Palestine WCQ Venue Dispute Sparks FIFA Dilemma
Iraq-Palestine WCQ Venue Dispute Sparks FIFA Dilemma

Iraq refuses to play Palestine’s WCQ in Jerusalem or Jordan, citing VAR concerns. FIFA faces pressure to decide on a neutral venue.

Estudiantes Tel Aviv Crowned Champions and Secures Promotion to IFLI1
Estudiantes Tel Aviv Crowned Champions and Secures Promotion to IFLI1

Estudiantes Tel Aviv wins the IFLI2 championship and secures promotion after a dramatic 2-2 draw. A nine-game unbeaten run, star performances, and a historic fifth title.

Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December
Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off in Qatar from Dec 1-18, featuring 16 teams in a key regional showdown ahead of AFCON 2025.

Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa
Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa

Down 3-0, Hapoel Beer Sheva roared back to a dramatic 3-3 draw with Maccabi Haifa, keeping their top spot in the Israeli league.

Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football
Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football

Jhon Durán left Aston Villa for Al Nassr, choosing Saudi riches over Europe’s elite. A bold move—will it make or break his career?

Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran
Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s match in Tehran. Sources in Saudi Arabia explain the reason.

Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion
Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion

Kurdish football embodies identity and struggle, with clubs worldwide symbolizing resilience, history, and hope on and off the pitch.

Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis
Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis

Hapoel Be’er Sheva outclassed Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Cup quarter-finals, in a match emphasizing both teams, and Israel’s, past year.

Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied
Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied

Al Nassr requests a venue change for their AFC Champions League clash over security concerns. The AFC’s answer is inside.

Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row
Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row

Didier Drogba backs José Mourinho against racism claims, urging Galatasaray fans to focus on their title race instead of controversy.

Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi
Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi

Al Hilal's 5-1 win keeps pressure on leaders Al Ittihad, while Al Nassr stay in the hunt. The Saudi Pro League title race intensifies.

Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico
Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico

Al-Ittihad beats Al-Hilal 4-1 in the Saudi Clásico, with Bergwijn’s brace and Benzema’s goal securing crucial 3 points for the leaders.

Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen

Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh makes a dream Aberdeen debut with a dramatic late winner. Watch the goal here:

Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football
Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football

Mohanad Al-Saad made history as the first Saudi scorer in French football, netting in Dunkerque’s win as they chase promotion.

Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25
Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25

Saudi Arabia to host AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25, with record $12M prize and thrilling knockout clashes ahead.

Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out
Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out

Esteghlal defeated Al-Rayyan 2-0 in Doha, advancing as Iran’s only team in the AFC Champions League knockout stage.

Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL
Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL

Persepolis held Al Nassr but must wait for Esteghlal’s result to reach the ACL knockouts, as the Iranian giants face an uncertain future.

Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime
Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime

The Syrian League resumes April 10, 2025, as all football activities, including women’s and youth divisions, return in a new era for the country.

Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium
Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium

Freed after 498 days, Yair Horn flew over Hapoel Be'er Sheva's stadium. Fans, players honored him in an emotional 4-0 win.

John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2
John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2

John Durán’s brace leads ten-man Al Nassr to a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Ahli, keeping their SPL title race hopes alive.

Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match
Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match

Jordanian Al-Wehdat fans protested against participation by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai’s Israeli player, Munas Dabbur, highlighting deep political and social tensions.

Akram Afif Crowned Best Footballer in Asia 2024
Akram Afif Crowned Best Footballer in Asia 2024

Akram Afif wins Best Footballer in Asia 2024, ending a decade of East Asian dominance in a tight race with Son Heung-min.

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Set to Showcase Asia’s Rising Football Stars
AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Set to Showcase Asia’s Rising Football Stars

AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 kicks off in China as 16 teams battle for glory and FIFA U-20 World Cup spots. Full schedule and key matchups!

AFC Champions League Two Resumes: Knockout Stage Set to Ignite
AFC Champions League Two Resumes: Knockout Stage Set to Ignite

AFC Champions League Two Knockout Stage kicks off Feb 11-13 with thrilling clashes, VAR debut, and clubs chasing continental glory.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem Share Points in Emotional Night at Bloomfield
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem Share Points in Emotional Night at Bloomfield

An emotional night at Bloomfield: Beitar in orange for the Bibas family, Maccabi’s tribute to the hostages, and late drama in a 1-1 draw.

Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh
Aberdeen Sign Palestinian Striker Oday Dabbagh

Aberdeen signs Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh on loan from Charleroi, hoping to boost their attack amid a 14-game winless streak.

Marwan Hamdy: The Striker in a Doctor’s Coat
Marwan Hamdy: The Striker in a Doctor’s Coat

Ismaily's Marwan Hamdy, a footballer and medical student, grabs attention with his unique doctor’s coat celebration after scoring.

CAF Extends Player Registration Deadline to 28 Feb 2025
CAF Extends Player Registration Deadline to 28 Feb 2025

CAF updates the Champions League and Confederation Cup registration and deadline. All the details are in the article. 

Featured
Gwangju FC's Stunning Comeback Against Vissel Kobe
Gwangju FC's Stunning Comeback Against Vissel Kobe

Gwangju stuns Vissel Kobe with a 3-0 comeback win after extra time, overturning a 2-0 deficit to reach the AFC Champions League quarters.

Al Hilal & Al Ahli Jeddah Advance in AFC Champions League
Al Hilal & Al Ahli Jeddah Advance in AFC Champions League

Al Hilal's comeback vs. Pakhtakor and Al Ahli's dominant win over Al-Rayyan secure their spots in the AFC Champions League quarters.

Controversy and VAR Decisions in JDT's AFC Champions League Exit
Controversy and VAR Decisions in JDT's AFC Champions League Exit

Buriram edged JDT 1-0 in a VAR-marred clash, sealing a quarter-final spot as Obregón's stoppage-time goal was controversially disallowed.

Al-Nassr Advances to AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals
Al-Nassr Advances to AFC Champions League Quarter-Finals

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr cruise past Esteghlal 3-0, with Ronaldo scoring a Panenka as they advance to the AFC CL quarter-finals.

Iraq-Palestine WCQ Venue Dispute Sparks FIFA Dilemma
Iraq-Palestine WCQ Venue Dispute Sparks FIFA Dilemma

Iraq refuses to play Palestine’s WCQ in Jerusalem or Jordan, citing VAR concerns. FIFA faces pressure to decide on a neutral venue.

Estudiantes Tel Aviv Crowned Champions and Secures Promotion to IFLI1
Estudiantes Tel Aviv Crowned Champions and Secures Promotion to IFLI1

Estudiantes Tel Aviv wins the IFLI2 championship and secures promotion after a dramatic 2-2 draw. A nine-game unbeaten run, star performances, and a historic fifth title.

Germany Unveils Vision to Host UEFA Women’s EURO 2029
Germany Unveils Vision to Host UEFA Women’s EURO 2029

Germany launches its UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 bid with “Together WE Rise,” aiming for unity, growth, and lasting impact in women’s football.

Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December
Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to Host Tournament on December

The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup kicks off in Qatar from Dec 1-18, featuring 16 teams in a key regional showdown ahead of AFCON 2025.

FIFA Unveils $1B Prize for Club World Cup, Women’s Expansion
FIFA Unveils $1B Prize for Club World Cup, Women’s Expansion

FIFA announces a record $1B prize for Club World Cup 2025 and major expansions for women's competitions, including a new Club World Cup.

Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa
Hapoel Beer Sheva Stages Stunning Comeback vs. Maccabi Haifa

Down 3-0, Hapoel Beer Sheva roared back to a dramatic 3-3 draw with Maccabi Haifa, keeping their top spot in the Israeli league.

Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football
Jhon Durán’s Al Nassr Move: A Shockwave in Football

Jhon Durán left Aston Villa for Al Nassr, choosing Saudi riches over Europe’s elite. A bold move—will it make or break his career?

Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran
Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss Al-Nassr’s Match in Tehran

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s match in Tehran. Sources in Saudi Arabia explain the reason.

Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion
Kurdish Football: A Story of Identity, Struggle, and Passion

Kurdish football embodies identity and struggle, with clubs worldwide symbolizing resilience, history, and hope on and off the pitch.

Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis
Be’er Sheva Dominates Haifa to Reach Cup Semis

Hapoel Be’er Sheva outclassed Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Cup quarter-finals, in a match emphasizing both teams, and Israel’s, past year.

Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied
Al Nassr Requests AFC Champions League Match Relocation, Request Denied

Al Nassr requests a venue change for their AFC Champions League clash over security concerns. The AFC’s answer is inside.

Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row
Drogba Defends Mourinho Amid Galatasaray Racism Row

Didier Drogba backs José Mourinho against racism claims, urging Galatasaray fans to focus on their title race instead of controversy.

Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi
Al Hilal Regain Form as Title Race Heats Up in Saudi

Al Hilal's 5-1 win keeps pressure on leaders Al Ittihad, while Al Nassr stay in the hunt. The Saudi Pro League title race intensifies.

Central Asia Bids to Host AFC Asian Cup 2031 in Historic First
Central Asia Bids to Host AFC Asian Cup 2031 in Historic First

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Kyrgyz Republic bid to host AFC Asian Cup 2031, aiming to bring the tournament to Central Asia for the first time.

Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico
Al-Ittihad Dominates Al-Hilal in Saudi Clásico

Al-Ittihad beats Al-Hilal 4-1 in the Saudi Clásico, with Bergwijn’s brace and Benzema’s goal securing crucial 3 points for the leaders.

Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh Scores Debut Goal for Aberdeen

Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh makes a dream Aberdeen debut with a dramatic late winner. Watch the goal here:

Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football
Mohanad Al-Saad Makes History as First Saudi Scorer in French Football

Mohanad Al-Saad made history as the first Saudi scorer in French football, netting in Dunkerque’s win as they chase promotion.

Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25
Venues Confirmed for AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25

Saudi Arabia to host AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25, with record $12M prize and thrilling knockout clashes ahead.

Shandong Taishan Withdraws from AFC Champions League Elite Amid Controversy
Shandong Taishan Withdraws from AFC Champions League Elite Amid Controversy

Shandong Taishan withdraws from AFC Champions League Elite. The reason why may hint on bigger diplomatic tensions.

Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out
Esteghlal Reaches ACL Round of 16, Pushing Persepolis Out

Esteghlal defeated Al-Rayyan 2-0 in Doha, advancing as Iran’s only team in the AFC Champions League knockout stage.

Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL
Persepolis Draw Al Nassr, Await Esteghlal’s Fate in ACL

Persepolis held Al Nassr but must wait for Esteghlal’s result to reach the ACL knockouts, as the Iranian giants face an uncertain future.

Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime
Syrian Football Returns as Nation Rebuilds After Regime

The Syrian League resumes April 10, 2025, as all football activities, including women’s and youth divisions, return in a new era for the country.

Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium
Yair Horn’s Emotional Return: From Hamas Captivity to Turner Stadium

Freed after 498 days, Yair Horn flew over Hapoel Be'er Sheva's stadium. Fans, players honored him in an emotional 4-0 win.

CAF Draws Spark Excitement Across Four Major Tournaments
CAF Draws Spark Excitement Across Four Major Tournaments

CAF unveiled draws for four major tournaments, setting the stage for thrilling action, including CHAN 2024 and the inaugural Women’s Futsal AFCON.

John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2
John Durán Shines as Ten-Man Al Nassr Defeats Al Ahli 3-2

John Durán’s brace leads ten-man Al Nassr to a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Ahli, keeping their SPL title race hopes alive.

Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match
Jordan’s Al-Wehdat Fans Protest Israeli Player in AFC Champions League 2 Match

Jordanian Al-Wehdat fans protested against participation by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai’s Israeli player, Munas Dabbur, highlighting deep political and social tensions.