They confirmed the news after Iraq was ordered to play qualifying games elsewhere after security concerns following a 2-0 defeat at home to Jordan earlier this year.

FIFA were so concerned by the security situation at the game, staged in Irbil, where there were suspicions of over crowding as well as a power failure, that they made the decision to force Iraq to play games elsewhere.

Iraq had initially pledged to fight the decision, but the latest development indicates that they have acceded to FIFA's will.

Iraq's next World Cup qualifier is against China on November 11, and they sit third in a group also involving Jordan and Singapore.

They are playing Australia on November 23 in the Olympic Games qualifiers, looking to improve after a defeat to Uzbekistan in the first game of the group.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2011: Iraq forced to play London 2012 qualifying matches on neutral grounds after FIFA ban