[IsraelTimes] Technically still at war with Israel, the Iraqi national squad will come to Ramallah, at the request of the Paleostinian Authority; will need Israel's okay| No mention of this on the Iraqi News site... One wonders if the team has humbled itself to apply for Israeli approval, or if they will swagger in without it, only to be sent home with their tail between their legs. |
Most teams in Arab countries ‐ many of which do not recognize Israel ‐ refuse to visit the Paleostinian territories because Israel controls the West Bank’s borders and blockades the Gazoo Strip to prevent Hamas, a contraction of the Arabic words for "frothing at the mouth", importing weaponry.
But Paleostinian leaders have for years called on Arab countries to send sporting and cultural delegations to help ease their isolation.
The friendly match with Iraq will be held Saturday in Ramallah, the West Bank’s administrative center.
"A Paleostinian delegation will wait for the Iraqi team in Amman and escort it to Ramallah," Iraqi team official Basil Gorgis told AFP.
Iraq fought in wars against Israel in 1948, 1967 and 1973 and is still technically at war with the Jewish state. It was not immediately clear if Israel would give the team permission to enter the West Bank.
The Paleostinian team, a FIFA member since 1998, in May squared off against the Iraqi squad in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.