FIFA Issues Worldwide Ban On Iraqi Football After Nation Disbands Own Association

November 20, 2009 2:57 p.m. EST

FIFA's emergency commission have issued Iraq with a worldwide football ban.

The ban follows the seizure of the Iraqi Football Association headquarters by security forces after the Iraqi Football Assocation was disbanded by the Iraqi Olympic Commitee.

FIFA strongly opposes any governmental interference in national Football Associations, and issued a warning that if the IFA was not restored and their headquarters returned within 72 hours a worldwide ban would follow.

The threat was realized Friday, with Iraq banned from all international FIFA endorsed competitions or play international friendlies until further notice.