Uganda, Iraq friendly called off due to FIFA ban

Kampala - Uganda’s national football team will have no chance to play Iraq on July 9 after FIFA reimposed a ban on the latter hosting international friendlies because of security concerns.

Uganda had hoped to use the match to prepare their side for the 2014 African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier against Tanzania.

After the Uganda and Iraq Football Associations had concluded plans for the friendly Wednesday, FIFA announced the ban on Iraq following a spike in attacks.

Mujib Kasule, the vice president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), told Xinhua Friday that they had no choice but to call off the friendly.

“We tried to have the game moved to another country, but we realised we did not have enough time,” said Kasule.

He said they are now trying to see if they could face Rwanda.

“This CHAN team needs a build-up game to prepare them better,” he said.

Uganda will play away to Tanzania July 13 in Dar es Salaam in the first leg of the CHAN qualifier, before the return leg July 26 here.

The winner will automatically qualify for the 2014 CHAN competition in South Africa.