Why is the Iraqi football team traveling by private plane?

The Iraqi football team is traveling by private plane to overcome difficulties caused by Middle East airspace closures due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

How did FIFA help the Iraqi football team travel?

FIFA, with direction from President Gianni Infantino, facilitated the Iraqi team's departure by helping to overcome travel difficulties for their trip to Mexico.

When is Iraq's World Cup playoff match?

Iraq is scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on March 31st for their World Cup playoff.

Home / Sports / Iraq FA Secures Private Jet Amidst Regional Tensions

Iraq FA Secures Private Jet Amidst Regional Tensions

15 Mar

•

Summary

Iraq's national football team will travel by private jet for World Cup qualifiers.
The team's departure was facilitated after FIFA intervened to resolve travel difficulties.
Travel was complicated by airspace closures due to the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

Iraq FA Secures Private Jet Amidst Regional Tensions

Iraq's national football team will travel to Mexico for their crucial World Cup playoff match on a private plane. The Iraqi Football Association president confirmed this plan, despite concerns raised by coach Graham Arnold regarding the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Airspace in the Middle East has been closed since late February due to strikes and retaliatory actions.

Seeking to overcome these travel impediments, FA chief Adnan Dirjal contacted FIFA. The world football's governing body, through President Gianni Infantino, has been cooperative, with Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom tasked to facilitate the team's departure. The national team is expected to depart by the end of the week.