Lift of Iraqi ban allows Aussie match

30/05/2008 08:52:33

The suspension of the Iraqi Football Association has been provisionally lifted by FIFA, clearing the way for Sunday's soccer World Cup qualifier in Brisbane between Australia and Iraq.

The suspension was imposed on Monday after the Iraqi government announced it was disbanding the country's National Olympic Committee.

If the ban remained in place it would have assured the Socceroos progressed to the next round of qualification, but it would have also led to a financial loss for Football Federation Australia.

Meanwhile, the Australian and Italian Football Federations have signed an agreement which could see the two country's play more international friendly matches.

The deal, which includes the sharing of coaching resources and expertise, was signed at the FIFA World Congress in Sydney.

FFA Chairman Frank Lowy says there is a lot of respect for the nation which knocked out the Socceroos on its way to winning the 2006 World Cup.

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