FIFA has given the parties involved 72 hours to reinstate the Iraqi Football Association, or the matter would be referred to the FIFA Emergency Committee, which Reuters reports would be likely to result in suspension from taking part in world football competitions.
"The basis on which such a decision could be taken is incomprehensible to FIFA. This stands in total contradiction with IFA and FIFA statutes," FIFA said in a statement.
"…FIFA appeals once more to all stakeholders in Iraq to respect the autonomy of sport in general and the IFA in particular and to allow IFA to conduct its affairs according its statutes and those of FIFA.”
The Iraqi FA and Olympic Committee have been involved in a power struggle for around a year. The OC blames the FA for a continuing FIFA ban on international matches being hosted in Iraq. The FA has refused demands by the OC to elect a new governing board.
