Coronavirus outbreak: Iraq request to play World Cup match against Hong Kong on neutral ground
- Hong Kong scheduled to take on Middle East nation in 2022 World Cup qualifiers at Mong Kok Stadium in March
- Virus outbreak also disrupts domestic fixtures, with Sunday’s Senior Shield final moved to May and Sapling Cup to be played behind closed doors
Iraq has requested its 2022 World Cup Asian zone qualifying match in Hong Kong be moved to a neutral ground as the coronavirus threat continues to hit the city’s sports agenda.
The Middle East nation are scheduled to play the group C match against Hong Kong at Mong Kok Stadium on March 31 after winning the home game 2-0 in October.
“We understand their request as Hong Kong is under the threat of the new virus,” said Football Association chairman Pui Kwan-kay. “But it’s up to the regional body to make a decision if there is any change. We also face a lot of problems in our domestic fixtures because of the virus which may extend the season beyond May.”
The Asian Football Confederation will meet on Tuesday to discuss a number of international fixtures, which also include Hong Kong’s away group match against Iran, scheduled take place five days before the Iraq game. This match may also face disruption because of Iran’s domestic political problems.
In the AFC Cup preliminary round, Ulan Bator in Mongolia turned down the visit of TaiPower of Taiwan because of the virus. The winners are to meet Kitchee of Hong Kong in the play-off to enter the main round.
