FIFA Rejects Iraqi National Team's Request
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) issued an official apology to the Iraqi Football Association regarding the request to remove the Iraqi flag from the field due to the presence of the word "Allah" on the flag.
The International Federation clarified that the decision was not related to the Iraqi flag or any other considerations, but was made for organizational reasons concerning the safety of the field. It was found that lifting the flag off the ground causes damage to the field due to the pressure exerted by the bearers on the wet surface during the process.
The report indicated that the step came after a previous request from the Saudi side to raise the flag on the field, which led to damage to part of the field due to the on-ground conditions.
FIFA confirmed that this action will not be repeated in the future, following a comprehensive review and clarification of the circumstances to the Iraqi Federation.
In a related context, the Iraqi national team is preparing to play its opening match in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup against Norway early Wednesday.
The International Federation clarified that the decision was not related to the Iraqi flag or any other considerations, but was made for organizational reasons concerning the safety of the field. It was found that lifting the flag off the ground causes damage to the field due to the pressure exerted by the bearers on the wet surface during the process.
The report indicated that the step came after a previous request from the Saudi side to raise the flag on the field, which led to damage to part of the field due to the on-ground conditions.
FIFA confirmed that this action will not be repeated in the future, following a comprehensive review and clarification of the circumstances to the Iraqi Federation.
In a related context, the Iraqi national team is preparing to play its opening match in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup against Norway early Wednesday.
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