FIFA bans Iraq from playing home games

Zurich, Switzerland – FIFA has ordered Iraq to play its home qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup and 2012 Olympics at a neutral venue.

Soccer's governing body has questioned the Iraq Football Association over a breach of safety regulations that occurred earlier this month in a qualifier against Jordan.

According to FIFA, the crowd at the stadium appeared to be well over capacity and there was a power cut during the match, banning Iraq from hosting games within its borders.

Iraq will now have to nominate a neutral site in Asia to play its home matches, with the team currently in third place in Group A of Asian World Cup qualifying with three points from two games.

The next match for Iraq will be October 11 in China before a home game against the Chinese one month later.