The International Football Federation (FIFA) has decided to lift the embargo imposed on three Iraqi stadiums.

In a statement, FIFA said Baghdad stadium is not included in the decision.

The head of FIFA Gianni Infantino said the Asian Football Confederation will be consulted regarding this issue, asserting no games will be held in Baghdad.

Iraqi premier Abadi congratulated the Iraqis for lifting the embargo.

Iraqi football has suffered greatly from the lack of home games as matches have been hosted in Qatar, Jordan, UAE, and Iran throughout the years, all of which failed to provide Iraq with the home-turf advantage that other countries benefited from.

Iraq is still the only country to qualify for the World Cup without playing a single qualifying game at home.

Fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia will hope that the return of competitive international football in the country will help Iraq reclaim its place as one of Asia’s heavyweights.



