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Sunday November 22, 2009

Iraq banned from internationals

PARIS: World football’s governing body FIFA on Friday announced their decision to suspend the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) until further notice “because of government interference”.

“In accordance with FIFA statutes, the clubs and representative teams of Iraq are no longer permitted to take part in international matches, whether friendly or competitive,” read a statement on the FIFA website.

“Furthermore, the IFA are deprived of their right to vote at any congresses held by international bodies and are no longer entitled to receive financial assistance.”

Despite FIFA’s decision, Iraq’s women’s Under-16 team will be allowed to compete in a youth tournament organised by the Norwegian football federation that is due to take place in Jordan from Nov 22-29. — AFP

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